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The Hidden Toll: How Microaggressions and Discrimination Relate to Brain Health
Location: East Ballroom
Mentor: Dr. Sannisha Dale
Despite advancements in the treatment of HIV, Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) experience significant disparities in brain health and related factors, which may be linked to microaggressions, systemic inequities, and discrimination. These disparities are exacerbated by social determinants of health, including limited healthcare access, medical mistrust, and chronic stress associated with interlocking systems of oppression impacting their various identities. Along with these social determinants, factors such as sleep, diet, and activity also play a role in the overall health of an individual. This study examines how experiences of microaggressions are associated with brain health-related factors among BWLWH. Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional data from 183 participants, this study employed linear regression to assess relationships between psychosocial stressors (microaggressions, discrimination) and brain health-related measures including Functional Activities Questionnaire, The Healthy Brain 9, and Sleep Evaluation (night-time, treatments, and behaviors). Results: Findings indicate that a higher frequency of HIV-related microaggressions—total, direct, and indirect—was linked to, cognitive function difficulties and sleep disturbances (Healthy Brain 9 Score F(1,181)=13.48 p
