Socioeconomic predictors of neuropsychological performance in an urban HIV+ cohort

Alyssa Arentoft, Fordham University

Abstract

This study explored socioeconomic (SES) factors and NP performance among a racially/ethnically diverse group of HIV+ adults. Since HIV disproportionately affects lower SES and racial/ethnic minority individuals and can cause NP impairment, the relationship between SES and NP performance may be particularly relevant to this population. The utility of three different SES measurements (applied to both childhood and adulthood SES estimates) was examined: Hollingshead Index of Social Prestige (ISP), Duncan Socioeconomic Index (SEI), and our own individualized socioeconomic estimate, based on years of education and income. Results indicated that adult SES estimates were more strongly linked to NP, particularly learning and memory, and that Hollingshead ISP was the most robust of the three SES predictors. Furthermore, SES mediated the relationship between NP performance and race/ethnicity. Overall, the results suggest that SES may be linked to NP performance. Therefore, this relationship should be examined further and expanded to other populations. More modern SES estimates should also be explored. ^

Subject Area

Psychology, Cognitive

Recommended Citation

Arentoft, Alyssa, "Socioeconomic predictors of neuropsychological performance in an urban HIV+ cohort" (2012). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3495848.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3495848

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