Interaction between long-term air pollution exposure and neighbourhood unemployment on cognitive functions in Central-European aging population
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Objectives: Current evidence suggests that long-term air pollution (AP) exposure as well as living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods may be associated with impaired cognitive functions. However, little is known about the potential interactive effect of these factors. This study examined the joint effects of AP exposure and neighbourhood unemployment rate (NUR) on cognitive function in an urban aging population. Methods: Cross-sectional sample of the Czech arm of the HAPIEE cohort included 4,343 participants aged 45-69 years at baseline (2002-2005). Europe-wide land-use regression model was used to estimate 3-year (2000-2003) average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. NUR was measured for each basic administrative unit (N=128). Both AP and NUR were linked to participants’ residential addresses. Cognitive assessment included memory, verbal fluency and concentration, from which we computed a factor score reflecting a general cognitive function. Hierarchical linear modelling was conducted to examine the effects of AP exposure (first level) and NUR (second level) on cognition. Cross-level interaction was estimated to test for possible effect modification. All models estimated standardised ß coefficients adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, individual deprivation, smoking, physical activity, chronic disease, and depression. Results: Impaired cognitive function was observed in participants living in areas with higher concentrations of PM10 (ß=-0.202, p<0.001), PM2.5 (ß=-0.226, p<0.001) and NUR (ß=-0.087, p<0.001) compared to those living in less polluted and less disadvantageous areas. There was a significant cross-level interaction between AP and NUR (ß=0.162, p<0.001) whereby the effect of AP on cognition was attenuated in neighbourhoods with higher NUR. Conclusion: Our results suggest that living in both air polluted areas and socially disadvantaged areas has negative effect on cognitive performance. Complex interactions between environmental and social exposures should be further investigated. Funding: European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme: No 857487 and The NPO „Systemic Risk Institute“ (Programme EXCELES, No. LX22NPO5101). |
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