Abstract P236: Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Functional Status Impairment in Late-Life: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Neighborhood characteristics and physical activity levels may impact physical function. The present study examined the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) and functional status impairment among older men and women and examined whether this relationship differed by physical activity. Hypothesis: Compared to those with high levels of NSES, participants with low NSES will have higher odds of functional impairment in late life. This association will be modified by physical activity. Methods: We constructed an aggregate measure of NSES using census-based indicators of wealth, education, and occupation and quantified distribution-based tertiles of low, middle, and high NSES among ARIC cohort participants in Visit 5 (2011-2013). We used the Rosow-Breslau scale to ascertain functional status (range 0-4; functional impairment defined as a score<4) during the 2016 annual telephone interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between NSES tertiles and functional status impairment adjusting for age, race, ARIC center, and sex. We tested for effect modification by AHA-defined physical activity (categorized as poor, intermediate, ideal based on weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity). We also tested for effect modification by sex, race, and age. Results: Among 4,439 participants (mean age: 75 (SD 5) years, 22% Black, 55% female), 1,788 (40%) had functional status impairment. In analyses adjusted for sex, race, and age, the odds of functional impairment among participants with low NSES were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.60, 2.16) times the odds of functional impairment among those with high NSES. There was evidence of effect measure modification by race (p=0.06) and age (p=0.07). In White participants, the odds of functional status impairment among participants with low NSES was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.69, 2.35) times the odds of functional impairment among those with high NSES. This association was attenuated in Black participants (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.96, 2.00). In participants less than 74 years, the odds of functional status impairment among participants with low NSES was 2.17 (95% CI: 1.73, 2.72) times the odds of functional impairment among those with high NSES. This association was attenuated in participants 74 years and older (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.99). There was no evidence of effect modification by physical activity (p=0.20) nor sex (p=0.65). Conclusions: Low NSES is modestly associated with functional status impairment in older adulthood. This association appeared stronger in Whites compared to Blacks, and in those younger than 74 years.