THE INTERSECTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN RURAL AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES - Abstract - igaf122.3859

Sep 29, 2026

Multiple chronic conditions disproportionately affect rural African Americans, especially for arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, with worse outcomes driven by rural limitations and persistent structural factors. The study applies syndemic theory to rural minority health research, using semi-structured interviews and photo-documentation plus univariate/bivariate quantitative analysis of demographics and self-management behaviors. Higher syndemic scores relate to fewer days of healthy eating, physical activity, and glucose testing adherence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1151 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3859 THE INTERSECTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN RURAL AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES Idethia Shevon Harvey, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States Introduction Multiple chronic conditions disproportionately affect rural African Americans, who face higher prevalence and worse outcomes for arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. Those living in challenging environments experience higher rates of chronic comorbidities due to the interactions between rural limitations and persistent structural factors. This research investigates using syndemic theory to forge new ground in rural minority health research. Methods Semi-structured interviewsand photo-documentation were conducted among African Americans (mean age = 63.2, SD +9.93 years) with long-term diabetes (mean diagnosis = 14.7, SD +10.8 years) and hypertension (91.3%). Quantitative analysis included univariate and bivariate statistics describing demographics and self-management behaviors by composite score (0 – 6) counting depression, hypertension, arthritis, smoking, obesity, and poverty. Qualitative methods included semi-structured interviews, photo-documentation, thematic content analysis, and critical visual methodology. Triangulation occurred when photographic themes aligned with interview themes. Results Participants with higher syndemic scores (4.31, SD +0.48) showed fewer days of healthy eating, physical activity, and glucose testing adherence. Qualitative analysis revealed two themes: “chronicity of poverty” and “contextual factors affecting health management.”Limited economic resources not only discouraged positive diabetes management but also triggered clustering of health complications, supporting syndemic theory that individuals with diabetes experience magnified health-related and socioenvironmental burdens. Discussion This syndemic approach provides a novel perspective for understanding contributing factors influencing health in rural African American communities. A comprehensive approach addressing biological and social elements is necessary to reduce disease burden, improve patient-centered care, and develop targeted programs supporting self-management practices in these communities.

FAQs

What problem does the research focus on for rural African American communities?

It examines how multiple chronic conditions disproportionately affect rural African Americans, particularly in arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, under structural and environmental constraints.

How were participants and health data collected in the study?

Semi-structured interviews and photo-documentation were conducted with African Americans with long-term diabetes and hypertension, alongside quantitative univariate and bivariate statistics about demographics and self-management behaviors.

What do the results show about syndemic scores and self-management behaviors?

Participants with higher syndemic scores reported fewer days of healthy eating, physical activity, and adherence to glucose testing.

What approach does the discussion recommend to reduce disease burden?

It calls for comprehensive interventions addressing both biological and social elements, improving patient-centered care and developing targeted programs that support self-management.

Sep 29, 2026

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