Analysis of multiple mediating effects of social and economic status on cognitive status of the elderly
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-9026.2025.03.020
- VernacularTitle:社会经济地位对老年人认知功能影响的多重中介效应分析
- Author:
Lin SUN
1
;
Qiang GAO
;
Mengxin ZHANG
;
Minying LI
;
Ruijia TAO
;
Pengjun ZHANG
;
Chen WANG
Author Information
1. 北京中医药大学管理学院，北京 102401
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Cognitive function;
Socioeconomic position;
Social determinants of Health
- From:
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics
2025;44(3):359-365
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study aims to investigate the impact of socioeconomic status on cognitive function in older adults, while analyzing the mediating role of health-related social determinants.The findings will provide a foundation for the implementation of an active aging strategy.Methods:Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)2020, this study employed multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive function among older adults.A multiple mediation model was applied to evaluate the mediating effects of health-related social determinants on the association between socioeconomic status and cognitive function, with these mediation effects assessed using the Bootstrap method.Results:The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that socioeconomic status significantly positively influences cognitive function in older adults.Factors such as younger age, male gender, Han ethnicity, and urban residence were associated with higher cognitive scores.The mediation analysis demonstrated that, of the total effect of socioeconomic status on cognitive function, health status accounted for 1.564%, individual lifestyle for 14.820%, social support networks for 2.719%, living conditions for 1.632%, and other social structural factors for 1.496%.In the multiple mediation model, a total of 17.945% of the effect of socioeconomic status on cognitive function in older adults was jointly mediated by health-related social determinants.Conclusions:Socioeconomic status is a critical determinant of cognitive impairment among older adults in China.To address this issue, comprehensive interventions should be implemented to promote the equitable distribution of economic and social resources, reduce socioeconomic disparities, and mitigate health inequalities, thereby enhancing the overall cognitive function of disadvantaged groups.Preventive measures and strategies aimed at improving health status, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, strengthening social support networks, enhancing living conditions, and optimizing social structural factors could serve as essential intervention points to improve the cognitive function of older adults with lower socioeconomic status.
