Racial Differences in Antidepressant Use in Nursing Facility Residents With Moderate to Severe Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe and compare the use of antidepressants between Black or African descent and White nursing facility residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.DesignThis was a secondary data analysis using baseline data from the Function and Behavior Focused Care for Nursing Facility Residents with Dementia randomized control trial.SettingParticipants were recruited from 10 urban and two rural nursing facilities from Maryland.MethodsParticipants had to be 55 years of age or older, English-speaking, reside in long-term care at time of recruitment, and score a 15 or less on the Mini Mental-State Examination. A total of 336 residents participated at baseline. Data were collected by a research evaluator through observation, proxy report from staff caring for the resident the day of testing, and patient charts.Main OutcomesA significant difference of antidepressant use between Black or African descent and White nursing facility residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment would be noted when controlling for depression, age, gender, functional status, agitation, and number of co-morbidities.ResultsIn adjusted models, Black or African descent residents were less likely to be prescribed antidepressants compared with White residents.ConclusionRacial differences were noted regarding antidepressant use among nursing facility residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, but it is unknown if race could impact prescribing practices when indications for use are known. Further research is needed to ascertain if knowing the specific indications for use might contribute to racial disparities with antidepressant prescribing in nursing facility residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.