Greater Purpose In Life Is Associated With Lower Allostatic Load Among Hispanics/ Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos (Hchs/Sol) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (Scas)

Introduction: Allostatic load (AL), a multi-system measure of physiological dysregulation that represents cumulative wear-and-tear due to chronic stressors, is related to higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence on the association of psychosocial factors with AL is mixed despite accruing research that suggests that psychosocial factors are related to CVD, in part, through AL. We examined the associations of psychosocial factors with AL among Hispanics/Latinos. Hypothesis: Psychosocial intrapersonal ( ethnic identity , optimism, and purpose in life) and interpersonal ( family cohesion , social network embeddedness , and social support ) resources will each be inversely associated with AL while stressors ( perceived ethnic discrimination , familism, and loneliness ) will each be positively associated. Methods: Data from the HCHS/SOL SCAS were used (n=4,914; ages 18-74). AL was assessed using 16 biomarkers representing cardiometabolic, glucose, cardiopulmonary, parasympathetic, and inflammatory systems. The AL score (0-16) was computed as the number of biomarkers for which a participant had a high-risk quartile; higher scores represent greater physiological dysregulation. Psychosocial factors were self-reported. Survey-weighted linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors examined associations of each psychosocial factor with AL. We also examined whether sex modified these associations. Results: Mean AL score was 4.0 (SD=3.2). In fully-adjusted models (Table), the purpose in life score was inversely associated with AL. No other significant associations were observed, although regression estimates were generally in the hypothesized direction. Sex did not modify the association of psychosocial factors with AL. Conclusions: Greater sense of purpose in life, an intrapersonal psychosocial resource, is associated with lower physiological dysregulation in Hispanics/Latinos. Findings highlight the need to examine prospective associations of purpose in life with AL.