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Comparison of African American and Afro-Caribbean Older Adults' Self-Reported Health Status, Function, and Substance Use

Florida International University

Ruth M. Tappen

Florida Atlantic University, rtappen{at}fau.edu

Christine L. Williams

Florida Atlantic University

Monica Rosselli

Florida Atlantic University

African American and Afro-Caribbean elders differ in regard to ethnic group membership, place of birth, and years of residence in the United States. In this study, the authors compare self-rated health status, function, and reports of substance use in these two groups. Fifty low-income African American and fifty low-income Afro-Caribbean adults older than 55 were matched on gender, income, and age (within a range of 3 years) for this study. Self-reported mental and physical health (SF-8), function (basic and independent activities of daily living), and tobacco and alcohol use were measured. Significant differences between the two ethnic groups were found on four of the SF-8 domains, the physical health summary measure, and tobacco use but not on the mental health summary measure, function, or alcohol use. The differences that emerged suggest a more positive health status and healthier behavior in the immigrant Afro-Caribbean group. Results may be explained by the healthy immigrant effect relating to better health of immigrant as opposed to nonimmigrant populations.

Key Words: African American • Afro-Caribbean • self-reported health status • substance use • healthy immigrant effect

This version was published on February 1, 2009

Journal of Black Psychology, Vol. 35, No. 1, 44-62 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0095798408320632


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