RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN RESILIENCE AMONG OLDER DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Blacks are disproportionately affected by end stage renal disease (ESRD); however, blacks with ESRD have a survival advantage compared to non-minority populations. Given this survival paradox, older dialysis patients represent a unique population to understand health disparities in resilience. Resilience in older hemodialysis patients may be characterized by maintenance of functional status after dialysis initiation. In a prospective study, we are measuring short physical performance battery and handgrip strength in older adults receiving hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Of 27 subjects, blacks were younger than whites [mean age 69.7 years; SD 5.3(n=18) vs. 74 years; SD 6.2 (n=9)]. However, baseline gait speed was similar [blacks 0.7m/s (SD 0.2); whites 0.7m/s (SD 0.4)]. This preliminary data suggests older black dialysis patients may experience declines in function at an earlier age than whites. Repeated measures analyses of quarterly measures will be conducted to examine for racial differences in resilience.

Duke Scholars

Author Cathleen Sellner Colon-Emeric Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care