A Longitudinal Investigation of Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Psychosocial Mediators of Allostatic Load in Midlife Women: Findings From the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This research sought to assess racial and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in level and change in allostatic load (AL) over time in midlife women and to test whether psychosocial factors mediate these relationships. These factors were discrimination, perceived stress, and hostility.

Methods

Longitudinal data obtained from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation were used (n = 2063; mean age at baseline = 46.0 years). Latent growth curve models evaluated the impact of demographic, menopausal, and psychosocial variables on level and change in AL for 8 years.

Results

Direct effects: high levels of discrimination and hostility significantly predicted higher AL (path coefficients = 0.05 and 0.05, respectively). High perceived stress significantly pre

SUBMITTER: Upchurch DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4431938 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature