B - 111 Community Resource Access and Neuropsychological Outcomes in a Post-SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Sample

Abstract

Abstract Objective Lower access to resources, income, education, and housing quality has been linked with poorer neuropsychological outcomes. This study evaluated the relationship between community resource access and several cognitive and psychological outcomes among clinical patients with persisting cognitive concerns following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method The sample consisted of 49 patients (30.6% male; 35.3% White; Mage = 45.3, SD = 12.1; Meducation = 15.5, SD = 3.0) referred for neuropsychological evaluation to assess for long-term cognitive changes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. All patients were administered a uniform neuropsychological test battery that included measures of working memory, processing speed, and verbal learning/memory, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Area deprivation index (ADI) was determined using the national decile of the 2021 Neighborhood Atlas. Linear regression models were conducted between ADI and each cognitive and psychological outcome. Results No significant associations were identified between ADI and cognitive (working memory [F = 3.16, p = 0.08]; processing speed [F = 0.89, p = 0.32]; total learning [F = 0.41, p = 0.52]; delayed recall [F = 0.08, p = 0.78]) nor psychological (depressive symptoms [F = 0.09, p = 0.77]; anxiety symptoms [F = 0.05, p = 0.82]; perceived stress [F = 0.49, p = 0.49]) variables. Conclusions In this preliminary study, community access to resources did not significantly predict long-term cognitive or psychological symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This unexpected result suggests that neighborhood deprivation may be one particular social determinant of health that is less impactful for post-SARS-CoV-2 neuropsychological outcomes in similar populations. Generalizability is limited by sample characteristics (highly educated; uncomplicated disease course) and small sample size. Thus, replication in a larger database and further research involving other social determinants is indicated.