Inner-city Adults Research Articles

Mindfulness as a predictor of cognitive-behavioral therapy outcomes in inner-city adults with posttraumatic stress and substance dependence

The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) is highly prevalent and difficult-to-treat. Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental attention to and awareness of present-moment experiences, represents a targetable mechanism with potential to predict and improve treatment outcomes for PTSD/SUD populations. We hypothesized that greater self-reported mindfulness at baseline (pre-treatment) would predict (a) lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity and (b) greater longest sustained abstinence during a 12-week cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Participants included 53 inner-city adults meeting at least four current symptoms of DSM-5 PTSD and current (DSM-IV) substance dependence (51% women; 75.5% African American; Mage = 45.42, SD = 9.99). Hierarchical regression analysis results indicated that higher levels of baseline mindfulness predicted lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity but not longest sustained abstinence from the primary substance of choice. Post hoc exploration of end-of-treatment PTSD symptom clusters indicated that higher baseline mindfulness predicted lower intrusion, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal and reactivity symptoms but not avoidance symptoms. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

PSYCHOSOCIAL AND CULTURAL PAIN EXPERIENCES AND SELF-MANAGEMENT ACROSS DIVERSE OLDER ADULT POPULATIONS

Racial/ethnic minority older adults experience a disproportionate burden of functionally-disabling chronic pain. However, minimal research in pain and aging has fully explicated the unique and endemic psychosocial and cultural factors that strongly influence appraisal, communication, and management/coping of pain. Yet, to fully engage with and care for diverse racial/ethnic older adults, intentional responsiveness to these factors is necessary. This symposium features under-represented racial/ethnic older adult populations and multiple methodologies, including advanced imaging techniques, to understand various psychosocial and cultural factors associated with chronic pain. Our first presenter, Dr. Lor, uses qualitative inquiry to examine pain-associated language and expression of pain in Hmong older adults, which is often laden with stress and misunderstanding. Following is Dr. Taylor who will discuss the mediating effect of stress and coping on bodily pain in inner-city Black older adults. Dr. Terry will present novel findings on the association between catastrophizing (i.e., negative cognitive and emotional response to actual or anticipated pain resulting in feelings of helplessness) and brain structure in non-Hispanic Black and White adults with or at high-risk for knee osteoarthritis pain. This presentation will segway into culturally-relevant pain self-management practices and the role of social support specifically for Blacks from urban Detroit, as presented by Dr. Janevic. We will conclude with Dr. Booker presenting mixed-level data on the lack of familial and social networks and provider support for osteoarthritis pain self-management in Southern-dwelling older Blacks. This symposium extends the knowledge on the nuanced complexity of biopsychosocial and cultural dynamics underlying the pain experience.

Inhaler Technique in Low-Income, Inner-City Adults with Uncontrolled Asthma

Poor inhaler technique has been shown to be associated with less asthma control and increased health care utilization. Little is known about the impact of inhaler technique on the most vulnerable patients. This study examined inhaler technique in low-income, inner-city adults with uncontrolled asthma. Inhaler technique data and other patient characteristics were evaluated in adults drawn from 2 studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Subjects were from low-income Philadelphia neighborhoods and had uncontrolled asthma. Baseline characteristics were collected. Inhaler technique was rated by research coordinators who were trained with written materials. In 584 adults, 56% of metered dose inhaler users and 64% of dry powder inhaler users had adequate visually assessed inhaler technique. Inhaler technique did not vary by reading comprehension or numeracy levels. In this group of patients with uncontrolled asthma, visually assessed inhaler technique was adequate in more than one-half. Although incorrect inhaler technique is generally common and must be routinely addressed, this study suggests that other factors that lead to poor control must be identified.

Distress tolerance: Associations with trauma and substance cue reactivity in low-income, inner-city adults with substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress.

Cue reactivity has great potential to advance our understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), and PTSD/SUD comorbidity. The present investigation examined distress tolerance (DT) with regard to trauma and substance cue reactivity. Participants included 58 low-income, inner-city adults (49.1% women; Mage = 45.73, SD = 10.00) with substance dependence and at least 4 symptoms of PTSD. A script-driven cue reactivity paradigm was utilized. Four DT measures were administered, including the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Mirror-Tracing Persistence Task (MTPT), Breath-Holding Task (BH), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT). Lower DT, as indexed by MTPT duration, was significantly predictive of greater levels of self-reported substance cravings/urges in response to trauma cues, above and beyond covariates. Lower DTS scores predicted lower levels of self-reported control/safety ratings in response to substance cues. None of the DT indices was significantly predictive of heart rate variability. Clinical and research implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Analysis of home dust for Staphylococcus aureus and staphylococcal enterotoxin genes using quantitative PCR.

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is known to induce allergic inflammatory responses, including through secreted staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) superantigens. To quantify indoor environmental exposures to these potential allergens, which may be associated with worse asthma, we developed a method for the assessment of S. aureus and SE in home dust and applied it to a study of homes of inner-city adults with asthma. We conducted laboratory experiments to optimize sample processing and real-time PCR methods for detection and quantification of SA (femB) and SEA-D, based on published primers. We applied this method to dust and dust extract from 24 homes. We compared results from real-time PCR to culture-based results from the same homes. The bacteremia DNA isolation method provided higher DNA yield than alternative kits. Culture-based results from homes demonstrated 12 of 24 (50%) bedrooms were contaminated with S. aureus, only one of which carried a SE gene (SEC). In contrast, femB was detected in 23 of 24 (96%) bedrooms with a median of 1.1×106 gene copies detected per gram of raw dust. Prevalence and median copy number (shown in parenthesis) of SE gene detection in bedroom dust was: SEA 25% (1.4×102); SEB 63% (1.4×103); SEC 63% (1.1×103); SED 21% (1.3×102). Our culture-independent method to detect S. aureus and SE in home dust was more sensitive than our culture-based method. Prevalence of household exposure to S. aureus and SE allergens may be high among adults with asthma.

Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain Management in Inner-City African Americans: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

To date, research on music for pain management has focused primarily on listening to prerecorded music for acute pain. Research is needed on the impact of active music therapy interventions on chronic pain management. The aim of this mixed methods research study was to determine feasibility and estimates of effect of vocal music therapy for chronic pain management. Fifty-five inner-city adults, predominantly African Americans, with chronic pain were randomized to an 8-week vocal music therapy treatment group or waitlist control group. Consent and attrition rates, treatment compliance, and instrument appropriateness/burden were tracked. Physical functioning (pain interference and general activities), self-efficacy, emotional functioning, pain intensity, pain coping, and participant perception of change were measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Focus groups were conducted at the 12-week follow-up. The consent rate was 77%. The attrition rate was 27% at follow-up. We established acceptability of the intervention. Large effect sizes were obtained for self-efficacy at weeks 8 and 12; a moderate effect size was found for pain interference at week 8; no improvements were found for general activities and emotional functioning. Moderate effect sizes were obtained for pain intensity and small effect sizes for coping, albeit not statistically significant. Qualitative findings suggested that the treatment resulted in enhanced self-management, motivation, empowerment, a sense of belonging, and reduced isolation. This study suggests that vocal music therapy may be effective in building essential stepping-stones for effective chronic pain management, namely enhanced self-efficacy, motivation, empowerment, and social engagement.

Resilience characteristics mitigate tendency for harmful alcohol and illicit drug use in adults with a history of childhood abuse: A cross-sectional study of 2024 inner-city men and women

Resilience refers to abilities to cope adaptively with adversity or trauma. A common psychological sequella of childhood abuse or other traumatic experiences is substance use problems. There are, however, very limited data on relationships among resilience traits, childhood abuse, and alcohol or drug use problems. Hence, we aimed to examine associations between resilience characteristics and lifetime alcohol and illicit drug use in 2024 inner-city adults with high rates of childhood abuse and other trauma exposure. In this cross-sectional study, resilience was assessed with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, childhood abuse with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, lifetime alcohol and illicit drug use with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test. Associations between resilience and substance use were examined with linear regression models, adjusting for trauma load, age, and sex. We found that resilience characteristics mitigated tendency for lifetime alcohol use problems both as a main effect (β = −0.11; p = 0.0014) and an interaction with severity of childhood abuse (β = −0.06; p = 0.0115) after trauma severity, age, and sex were controlled for. Similarly, resilience reduced lifetime illicit drug use both as a main effect (β = −0.03; p = 0.0008) and as an interaction with severity of childhood abuse (β = -0.01; p = 0.0256) after trauma load, age, and sex were adjusted for. Our findings add to a nascent body of literature suggesting that resilience characteristics mitigate risks not only for PTSD, major depression, and suicidality, but also for substance use problems in adults exposed to childhood abuse or other traumatic experiences.

Position Statement on Tobacco Exposures in Children and Families

Tobacco use was declared a “pediatric disease” in 1995 by the US Food and Drug Administration due to the strong connection between tobacco use/exposure in children (Kessler et al., 1997). Tobacco use and exposure are the single most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. The health consequences during childhood have been clearly documented, and the US Surgeon General stated in 2006 there are no safe levels of tobacco exposure (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2010a). The first position statement on tobacco exposures was developed by the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) Public Policy Committee in 2004. Tobacco use, particularly among childbearing and childrearing families, has decreased slightly since 2004, though tobacco use and exposure remains a critical health issue for vulnerable populations of children and families. SPN is dedicated to supporting its members in their practice, as well as promoting the health and wellbeing of children and families. Pediatric nurses can play a pivotal role in reducing tobacco use and children’s tobacco exposure. Interventions to reduce tobacco use and exposure can include clinical advice, counseling, referral to smoking cessation, and policy changes. While most pediatric nurses may conduct these interventions in health-related settings, attention must be directed to other settings that serve children, such as preschool programs, schools, recreational programs, community settings, and others. Working together we, as pediatric nurses, can strive for the goal that all children have the right to grow up in a smokefree and healthy environment. Tobacco exposures—that is, tobacco use, secondhand smoke, or thirdhand smoke exposure—are highly prevalent

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

Are Patients Meeting the Updated Physical Activity Guidelines? Physical Activity Participation, Recommendation, and Preferences Among Inner-City Adults With Rheumatic Diseases

Physical activity (PA) improves the health of people with rheumatic diseases. Revised guidelines (published in the United States in 2008 and in the United Kingdom in 2011) recommend that adults complete 150 or more minutes of moderate-intensity PA or 75 or more minutes of vigorous-intensity PA (or equivalent) in bouts of 10 or minutes per week, yet whether people with rheumatic diseases meet these guidelines is unknown. This study evaluates the PA levels of adults with rheumatic diseases attending an inner-city hospital against the updated PA guidelines. It assesses respondents' PA preferences and the proportion who report ever receiving PA advice from a healthcare professional (HCP). Five hundred and eight patients (46% response rate) attending the general rheumatology clinics of an inner-city UK hospital completed the self-report International Physical Activity Questionnaire and 3 additional questions: "Has a doctor or other HCP ever suggested PA or exercise to help your arthritis or joint symptoms?" "Would you like help from your doctor or health service to become more physically active?" and "Which physical activities do you enjoy?" Overall, 61% of respondents met the updated PA guidelines, and 39% did not meet the guidelines. Forty-three percent of respondents reported ever receiving PA advice from an HCP, and 50% reported that they would "like help" to become more physically active. Walking was the most preferred PA (65%). Almost two-thirds of our respondents met the updated PA guidelines; however, many were entirely inactive. Recommending regular PA should be integral to rheumatic disease management, and walking offers a potentially accessible, inexpensive, and acceptable PA intervention.

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

Randomized Trial of Omalizumab (Anti-IgE) for Asthma in Inner-City Children

Among 419 participants who underwent randomization (at which point 73% had moderate or severe disease), omalizumab as compared with placebo significantly reduced the number of days with asthma symptoms, from 1.96 to 1.48 days per 2-week interval, a 24.5% decrease (P<0.001). Similarly, omalizumab significantly reduced the proportion of participants who had one or more exacerbations from 48.8 to 30.3% (P<0.001). Improvements occurred with omalizumab despite reductions in the use of inhaled glucocorticoids and long-acting beta-agonists. Conclusions When added to a regimen of guidelines-based therapy for inner-city children, adolescents, and young adults, omalizumab further improved asthma control, nearly eliminated seasonal peaks in exacerbations, and reduced the need for other medications to control asthma. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Novartis; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00377572.)

Inhaler mishandling is very common in patients with chronic airflow obstruction and long-term home nebuliser use

Inhalers and nebulisers are devices used for delivering aerosolised drugs in subjects with Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO). This multicentre, cross-sectional observational study was performed in a large population of outpatients with CAO regularly using home aerosol therapy and referring to chest clinics. The aims of the study were to compare the characteristics of the group of subjects with CAO who were using home nebulisers but also experienced with inhalers vs. those only using inhalers and to investigate whether the first group of subjects was particularly prone to inhaler misuse. Information was gained evaluating the responses to a standardised questionnaire on home aerosol therapy and the observations of inhaler technique. We enrolled 1527 patients (58% males; mean±SE; aged 61.1±0.4 years; FEV1% pred 69.9±0.6; 51% and 44% respectively suffering from COPD and asthma) who were only inhaler users (OIU group) and 137 (85% males; aged 67.7±1.3 years; FEV1% pred 62.3±2.9; 60% and 23% respectively suffering from COPD and asthma) who were using both nebulisers and inhalers (NIU group). Nebuliser users were older, had more severe obstruction, related symptoms and health care resources utilisation. Nebulisers users performed more critical inhalers errors than those of the OIU group (49% vs. 36%; p=0.009). We conclude that our patients with CAO and regular nebuliser treatment had advanced age, severe respiratory conditions and common inhaler misuse.

A cultural model of infidelity among African American and Puerto Rican young adults

Having concurrent sexual partners is a risk factor for STIs and HIV/AIDS, yet few studies have investigated the cultural meanings and functions of concurrency. A multi-method qualitative/quantitative study of sexual ideas, attitudes, and behaviors among inner-city Puerto Rican and African American emergent adults (age 18–25) in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, suggests that having concurrent partners is common in this population. Using data from 12 focus groups and 40 participants in systematic data collection techniques (e.g., pile sorts), the underlying cognitive structure of concurrency and cheating/infidelity are explored. Results suggest that participants are less tolerant of multiple partners in more committed relationships, but that very few relationships can be considered committed. Furthermore, participants see cheating as inevitable even in committed relationships. Sexual transgressions are considered the most severe form of cheating. Having an outside partner for emotional reasons or to have access to one's child were seen as more acceptable/forgivable than doing so for sexual satisfaction, social status or material goods. Multiple partnerships must be seen in the context of the inner city where resources and opportunities are scarce and young adults attempt to protect themselves from emotional injury. Documenting new and changing social constructions of infidelity is important for understanding the social context of sexual behavior in our global world and for designing culturally appropriate health interventions.

Obesity is associated with increased asthma severity and exacerbations, and increased serum immunoglobulin E in inner‐city adults

Obesity is associated with increased asthma and atopy. To determine whether or not obesity in inner-city adults is associated with increased asthma prevalence, severity and exacerbations and IgE responses. This retrospective study involved 246 adults with asthma and other atopic disorders who were seen at an asthma clinic in New York City between 1997 and 2010. Height, weight, asthma diagnosis and symptoms, peak flow (PF), spirometry, serum IgE levels and white blood cell differentials were recorded. Asthmatic patients had higher body mass index than non-asthmatics (median, interquartile range: 30.5, 10.2 vs. 27.8, 8.8; Mann-Whitney U-test, P = 0.0006). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with increased asthma (I: OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.04-5.34, P = 0.04; II/III: OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.36-7.74, P = 0.008). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with worsened asthma severity (ordinal logistic regression; I: OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.61-11.06, P = 0.003; II/III: OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.08-7.09, P = 0.03). Class II/III obesity was associated with increased asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids (repeated measures logistic regression, OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25; P = 0.01) and increased requirement of inhaled corticosteroid for long-term asthma management (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.29-1.62; P < 0.0001). In asthmatics, class II/III obesity was associated with decreased PF (general linear model, least squares mean ± SEM: 333.8 ± 37.4 vs. 396.2 ± 32.1 L/min; P = 0.007), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (75.2 ± 4.6 vs. 88.4 ± 5.6%; P = 0.03) and forced vital capacity (83.2 ± 4.7 vs. 109.2 ± 6.0%; P = 0.0002) and increased serum IgE (480.2 ± 88.3 vs. 269.0 ± 66.6 IU/mL; P = 0.04) and neutrophils (66.6 ± 3.7 vs. 60.1 ± 3.8%; P = 0.02). Class I obesity was also associated with increased serum IgE (458.7 ± 68.9, P = 0.03). Obesity in inner-city adults may be both a risk and exacerbating factor for atopic asthma.

Intervention Attendance Among Emergency Department Patients With Alcohol- and Drug-Use Disorders

The emergency department (ED) visit provides a window of opportunity for screening and linkage to services for inner-city adults with substance-use disorders (SUDs). This article examines predictors of intervention attendance among ED patients who screen positive for an SUD (alcohol or other drug). As part of a large randomized control trial, medical and injured patients (ages 19-60) in an inner-city ED completed a computerized screening survey. Based on random assignment, those screening positive for an SUD either were scheduled to attend a post-discharge intervention or received a referral brochure. Interventions (brief motivational intervention vs. case management intervention) focused on linking participants to substance-use treatment. Independent variables assessed included demographics, ED visit reason, health functioning, readiness to change, self-efficacy, and substance use. Intervention attendance (yes/no) was the dependent variable. Overall, 957 (62.3% male; 58.3% African-American; M(age) = 33.2 years) were randomized to interventions (brief motivational intervention/case management intervention) and are the focus of subsequent analyses. There were no differences in the pattern of predictors of intervention attendance for brief motivational intervention versus case management intervention. Bivariate analyses compared those who attended the post-ED intervention with those who did not attend. Participants who attended the intervention (50%) were significantly more likely to be older, unmarried, insured, unemployed, and in the "action" stage of change. The present findings highlight the relative importance of assessing and attending to readiness to change as well as demographic factors such as insurance and employment (and potentially associated barriers) in ED-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment protocols.

Perennial Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E Levels Among Inner-City Elderly Asthmatics

Background. The role of allergen sensitization has been well established among children and young adults with asthma. Some studies have suggested that allergens play a less important role among older patients with asthma. However, whether older asthmatics have a lower prevalence of allergen sensitization than younger adults remains controversial. The aim of this study was to access the prevalence of sensitization to indoor allergens in older compared to younger inner-city adults with persistent asthma. Methods. The authors used data collected as part of a cohort study of inner-city adults with persistent asthma. Sensitization to indoor allergens (specifically Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, cat, mouse, Aspergillus fumigates, Alternaria, German and American cockroaches) was evaluated by specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies measured from peripheral blood. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to compare ratios of sensitization according to age (≤35, 36–59, ≥60 years of age). Results. Of the 245 patients in the study, 19% were over the age of 60 years. Overall 73%, 61%, and 41% of patients ≤35, 36–59, and ≥60 years old, respectively were sensitized to at least one indoor allergen (p = .01). Multivariate analysis showed that patients ≥60 years of age were significantly less likely to be sensitized (odds ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.89) compared to younger adults after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusions. Allergen sensitization is less common in older patients with persistent asthma. However, sensitization to any indoor allergen is relatively frequent in the elderly. Physicians should consider routinely accessing exposure and sensitization to these allergens as part of the evaluation of older inner-city patients with persistent asthma.

The Relationship between Perceived Stress and Morbidity among Adult Inner-City Asthmatics

Background. Psychological stress has been linked in some studies to asthma prevalence and outcomes in children. The authors sought to evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and morbidity among inner-city adults with asthma. Methods. The authors interviewed a prospective cohort of 326 moderate-to-severe asthmatics receiving care at two large, urban, hospital-based general medicine clinics in New York City and New Jersey. Psychological stress was assessed at baseline using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a validated 4-item instrument. Outcomes included the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale (MARS) measured at baseline, 1, 3, and 12 months of enrollment. Results. Higher perceived stress was significantly correlated with worse asthma control (ACQ scores; r = .30 to .37, p < .0001), poor quality of life (AQLQ scores; r = −.49 to − .35, p < .0001), and decreased medication adherence (MARS scores; r = −.25 to −.15, p < .028) at baseline and across the follow-up interviews. In multivariate analyses, increased stress remained a significant predictor of worse ACQ (p < .0001), AQLQ scores (p < .0001), and MARS (p < .0001) after adjusting for age, sex, income, number of years with asthma, and comorbidities. Conclusions. Among inner-city asthmatics, higher perceived stress is strongly associated with increased asthma morbidity across a 1-year follow-up. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms mediating the association between stress and asthma morbidity in adults.

Friendship networks of inner-city adults: A latent class analysis and multi-level regression of supporter types and the association of supporter latent class membership with supporter and recipient drug use

Background Social support is a multi-dimensional construct that is important to drug use cessation. The present study identified types of supportive friends among the social network members in a community-based sample and examined the relationship of supporter-type classes with supporter, recipient, and supporter–recipient relationship characteristics. We hypothesized that the most supportive network members and their support recipients would be less likely to be current heroin/cocaine users. Methods Participants ( n = 1453) were recruited from low-income neighborhoods with a high prevalence of drug use. Participants identified their friends via a network inventory, and all nominated friends were included in a latent class analysis and grouped based on their probability of providing seven types of support. These latent classes were included as the dependent variable in a multi-level regression of supporter drug use, recipient drug use, and other characteristics. Results The best-fitting latent class model identified five support patterns: friends who provided Little/No Support, Low/Moderate Support, High Support, Socialization Support, and Financial Support. In bivariate models, friends in the High, Low/Moderate, and Financial Support were less likely to use heroin or cocaine and had less conflict with and were more trusted by the support recipient than friends in the Low/No Support class. Individuals with supporters in those same support classes compared to the Low/No Support class were less likely to use heroin or cocaine, or to be homeless or female. Multivariable models suggested similar trends. Conclusions Those with current heroin/cocaine use were less likely to provide or receive comprehensive support from friends.

Comparisons of Self‐Reported and Chart‐Identified Chronic Diseases in Inner‐City Seniors

To examine agreement between self-report of chronic disease and medical record data for inner-city seniors, their sensitivity and specificity, and the association between patient characteristics and accuracy of self-reports. Cross-sectional analysis. Two hospital-based primary care practices serving a low-income inner-city population. Adults aged 65 and older (n=323). Data on self-reported asthma, depression, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were collected through interviewer-administered surveys (in English and Spanish) and chart abstraction. Chart-based disease was defined in two ways: physician documentation and physician documentation plus use of a medication to treat that condition. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement were calculated. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to determine the associations between patient characteristics and patient-chart agreement. Agreement between self-report and chart data was high for diabetes mellitus (kappa=0.94) intermediate for asthma (kappa=0.66), and hypertension (kappa=0.54) and low for depression (kappa=0.4). Sensitivity and specificity were high for diabetes mellitus (0.99 and 0.96, respectively) and low for depression (0.74 and 0.72, respectively). Specificity for hypertension was lowest (0.67). Age, education, health literacy, and other patient characteristics did not have clear associations across conditions. Self-reports may be most reliable for diabetes mellitus and least reliable for depression for surveys involving older, inner-city adults. Survey research with older adults should include confirmatory data when assessing presence of depression, hypertension, and asthma.