Bei Wu

Faculty

Bei Wu headshot

Bei Wu

FAAN FGSA PhD

Dean's Professor in Global Health
Vice Dean, Research
Affiliated Professor, Ashman Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry
Co-director, NYU Aging Incubator

1 212 992 5951

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Dr. Wu is Dean’s Professor in Global Health and Vice Dean for Research at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is an inaugural Co-Director of the NYU Aging Incubator. Prior to joining NYU, she was the Pauline Gratz Professor of Nursing at Duke University School of Nursing. Prof. Wu is an internationally-known leader in gerontology.

As a principal investigator, Prof. Wu has led numerous projects supported by federal agencies and private foundations, including the NIH and CDC. She is currently leading several NIH-funded projects including a clinical trial to improve oral health for persons

with cognitive impairment, and a large secondary data analysis to examine how the co-occurrence of diabetes and poor oral health may lead to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. She co-leads the newly funded Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity. Through this center, she also leads a 5-year intervention study that focuses on supporting Chinese and Korean dementia caregivers who are at increased risk for high blood pressure and diabetes due to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. She is a director of the Research and Education Core for the NIA-funded Asian Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR).

As a scholar, Prof. Wu is an internationally known leader in gerontology. Her scholarship has been distinguished by interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in various disciplines, including nursing and dentistry, in the US and abroad. Her research areas cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health, including oral health, long-term care, dementia, and caregiving. She is one of the first in the nation to study the linkages between oral health and cognitive decline in older adults. Her research has also addressed knowledge gaps in the linkages between oral health and diabetes.

Prof. Wu has devoted much of her time to training the next generation of aging and nursing scientists from dozens of academic institutions in the U.S. and abroad. She has mentored hundreds of faculty members, visiting scholars, and students from various disciplines, including nursing, gerontology, dentistry, medicine, social work, demography, public health, sociology, public policy, geography, and economics. She is successful in mentoring several dozens of early-stage faculty members in receiving competitive funding from NIH, Robert Wood Johnson Scholars, the Alzheimer’s Society (UK), National Science Foundation of China, China Medical Board, National Medical Research Council (Singapore), and many others. 

Prof. Wu is a productive researcher. She has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers, books, reports, and conference abstracts. Her extensive publications cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health. She has delivered presentations at hundreds of conferences as an invited speaker. Her work has been widely recognized in the field. Research findings from her team have been featured by the National Institute on Aging, and in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, BBC, U.S. News and World Report, MarketWatch, CBS News, Reuters, AARP Bulletin, China Daily, Daily Mail, South China Morning Post, and Financial Review.

Her achievement has been recognized by many international and national organizations and she is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, and the New York Academy of Medicine. She is an honorary member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, and is the former president of the Geriatric Oral Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research. She has served on a number of NIH review panels and is a frequent reviewer for multiple international funding agencies. She was honored as the 2017 IADR Distinguished Scientist in Geriatric Oral Research. She is the recipient of the 2022 Wei Hu Inspiration Award from the China Health Policy and Management Society. 

PhD - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston
MS - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston
BS - Shanghai University

Gerontology
Global

Honorary Member, Sigma Theta Tau International - Honor Society of Nursing

Distinguished Scientist Award for Geriatric Oral Research, International Association for Dental Research (2017)
Pauline Gratz Professorship, Duke University School of Nursing (2014)
J. Morita Junior Investigator Award in Geriatric Oral Health, International Association for Dental Research (2007)
Fellow, Gerontological Society of America
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine
Fellow, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

The Association Between Trajectories of Perceived Unmet Needs for Home and Community-Based Services and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Psychological Resilience

Wang, H., Liu, H., Wu, B., & Hai, L. (2024). Research on Aging, 46(2), 139-152. 10.1177/01640275231203608
Abstract
Abstract
This study examined whether trajectories of perceived unmet needs for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) were associated with life satisfaction among Chinese older adults and whether the association was moderated by psychological resilience. Data came from five waves (2005-2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Latent class growth analysis revealed three distinct trajectories of perceived unmet HCBS needs: “increasing” (n = 977, 36.24%), “persistent” (n = 570, 21.14%), and “decreasing” (n = 1149, 42.62%). Multiple regression estimates showed that the increasing group was associated with lower life satisfaction, and the association was moderated by psychological resilience, especially for older adults who were male, living in rural, and oldest-old. Results indicate that inequalities in cumulative exposure to perceived unmet HCBS needs may further lead to increasing inequalities in life satisfaction. Interventions focused on minimizing the provision-need gap of HCBS and enhancing personal resilience should be considered to improve the life satisfaction of older adults.

Association of Gum Treatment with Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk among Older Adults with Periodontal Symptoms: A 12-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Wang, K., Zheng, Y., Li, A., & Wu, B. (2024). Neuroepidemiology, 1-10. 10.1159/000540086
Abstract
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study examines the associations of gum treatment with cognitive decline and dementia risk among older adults with periodontal symptoms in the USA.METHODS: A cohort of 866 adults aged ≥50 with periodontal symptoms was recruited for the 2008 Health and Retirement Study "Dental Health Experimental Module" and followed until 2020. Cognitive function was assessed with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS). Dementia status was ascertained with the Langa-Weir algorithm based on TICS scores and proxy assessments. Linear mixed-effects model and multivariable Cox regression models were utilized to analyze the associations of gum treatment with cognitive decline and the risk of dementia, respectively.RESULTS: Of 866 participants (mean age 67.7, 61.4% women), 105 (12.1%) developed dementia with a median follow-up of 9 (IQR, 6-10) years. The dementia incidence rates were lower in the group with gum treatment (7.4 vs. 12.9 per 1,000 person-years). Compared with participants who did not have gum treatment, those with gum treatment experienced a decline in TICS score that was on average 0.025 (95% CI, 0.005-0.044) points less per year and a 38% lower incidence of dementia (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93). These associations were consistent across participants with a different severity of periodontal symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education) except for income levels.CONCLUSION: Prompt gum treatment for older adults with periodontal symptoms may be beneficial for their cognitive health.

Care partners experience of an oral health intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia using behavior change technique: A qualitative study

Bryant, A. L., Hirschey, R., Caiola, C. E., Chan, Y. N., Cho, Y., Plassman, B. L., Wu, B., Anderson, R. A., & Bailey, D. E. (2024). Geriatric Nursing, 56, 40-45. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.12.021
Abstract
Abstract
Oral health declines in older adults with cognitive impairment. We aimed to improve oral hygiene outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) by fostering behavior changes among carepartners assisting them. We used qualitative data of verbatim transcripts of coaching sessions with carepartners (n = 17 dyads:10 dyads for MCI, 7 dyads for MD). Directed and emergent coding were used to understand behavior change techniques (BCTs). BCTs were compared with carepartners of participants with MCI and MD. Most frequently used BCTs in both groups: prompts and cues, instruction on how to perform the behavior, review behavioral goal, and problem solving. Different BCTs emerged in study: social support-unspecified of the MCI group and credible source for MD group. Findings clarified active intervention components, common BCTs used by carepartners, and different BCT approaches for both participants. Findings help to elucidate the mechanisms of changes in individuals’ behaviors in these interventions.

Dental Caries and Preventive Dental Visits Among Children in the U.S.: The Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Immigration

Luo, H., Wu, B., Wu, Y., & Moss, M. E. (2024). AJPM Focus, 3(4). 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100230
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: National data on dental caries and dental service use among immigrant children in U.S. are limited. It is not known whether race/ethnicity would interact with immigration status to increase these disparities. Using a nationally representative sample, this study assessed the interaction effects of immigrant generation status and race/ethnicity on dental caries and dental visits among children in the U.S. Methods: Data were from the 2020 and 2021 National Survey of Children's Health. All data were self-reported by parents/guardians. The 2 outcomes were (1) dental caries (yes/no) in the past 12 months and (2) preventive dental visits (yes/no) in the past 12 months. Racial/ethnic groups included non-Hispanic White, Black, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. The analytical sample included 66,167 children aged 2–17 years, including 1,243 first-generation immigrant children; 11,017 second-generation immigrant children; and 53,907 nonimmigrant children. Study authors ran separate multiple logistic regression models for the 2 outcome variables. All analyses accounted for the survey design of National Survey of Children's Health. Results: First-generation immigrant children were more likely to have dental caries than nonimmigrant children (AOR=1.44). The interaction of race/ethnicity and immigrant generation status was significant (p=0.04) in the preventive dental visits model, indicating increased challenges in getting dental visits among minority immigrant children in comparison with that among non-Hispanic White immigrant children, especially among first-generation immigrant children of Asian Americans (AOR=0.41) and non-Hispanic Black immigrant children (AOR=0.37). Conclusions: First-generation immigrant children were less likely to see a dentist and more likely to have dental caries than nonimmigrants. Moreover, first-generation immigrant children from minority racial/ethnic groups were the least likely to seek dental services. To further reduce disparities in oral health and dental use among children in the U.S., culturally sensitive health promotion is warranted to improve oral health literacy and reduce barriers to dental care for immigrants, especially immigrant children of the minority groups.

Dose‒Response Effects of Patient Engagement on Anxiety and Depression in a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and a Clinical Controlled Trial

Yang, Z., Han, S., Zhang, L., Sun, M., Hu, Q., Hu, Y., & Wu, B. (2024). AIDS and Behavior, 28(6), 1923-1935. 10.1007/s10461-024-04290-6
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding the dose‒response relationship between patient engagement in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and health outcomes is critical for developing and implementing effective CBT programs. In studies of CBT interventions, patient engagement is measured only at a single time point, and outcomes are typically assessed before and after the intervention. Examination of the dose‒response relationship between patient engagement in CBT and outcomes is limited. It is unclear whether a dose‒response relationship exists between patient engagement in on-site CBT intervention and anxiety and depression in people living with HIV (PLWH). If present, does this dose‒response relationship occur early or later in the intervention? This study aimed to address this gap by examining the dose‒response relationships between patient engagement and anxiety and depression in CBT interventions among PLWH. Utilizing data from a pilot randomized trial (10 participants) and a clinical controlled trial (70 participants), our secondary analysis spans baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments. Both trials implemented the nurse-led CBT intervention. Cluster analysis identified two groups based on on-site attendance and WeChat activity. Patients with good adherence (6–10 times) of on-site attendance exhibited significantly lower anxiety and depression scores at 3 months (β = 1.220, P = 0.047; β = 1.270, P = 0.019), with no significant differences observed at 6 months. WeChat activity did not significantly influence anxiety or depression scores. The findings highlight a significant short-term dose‒response relationship, endorsing nurse-led CBT interventions for mental health in PLWH. Organizational strategies should focus on incentivizing and facilitating patient engagement, particularly through enhancing WeChat features.

Dyadic analysis of illness perceptions among individuals with stroke and their caregivers: effects on activity engagement in community living

Shi, Y., Howe, T. H., Halpin, P. F., Hu, L., & Wu, B. (2024). Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(15), 3342-3354. 10.1080/09638288.2023.2246378
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To explore the relationship between activity engagement and dyadic illness perceptions of community-dwelling individuals with stroke and their caregivers. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis on a cross-sectional study encompassing eight rehabilitation settings. Participants were recruited from June to December 2019 via the distribution of flyers, use of admission databases, and direct onsite interactions. Activity engagement of individuals with stroke was measured by the Assessment of Life Habits. Dyadic illness perceptions were measured using the Stroke-Specific Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised. Results: Data from 202 dyads of individuals with stroke (mean age 61.3 ± 8.3 years; 76.7% male; stroke duration 314.3 ± 170.5 days), and caregivers (mean age 52.6 ± 11.6 years; 73.3% female) were analyzed. Results show that individuals with stroke who shared similar optimistic illness perceptions with their caregivers concerning the consequences of stroke had a higher level of activity engagement (ΔR 2 = .020, F(2,193) = 5.42, p = .005). Gender differences were found in the dyadic illness perception components concerning acute/chronic and cyclical timeline (ΔR 2 = .017, F(2,191) = 4.72, p = .01; ΔR 2 = .02, F(2,190) = 3.45, p = .034) and illness coherence (ΔR 2 = .012, F(2,191) = 3.42, p = .035). Conclusions: Illness perceptions and post-stroke activity engagement with gender differences should be considered at a dyadic level, as the individuals with stroke and their caregivers influence each other’s beliefs.

Having sex with partners met online among bachelors in China: application of the theory of planned behavior

Wang, Y., Liu, H., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2024). Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 39(3), 777-790. 10.1080/14681994.2022.2025776
Abstract
Abstract
Due to a sex ratio imbalance and marriage squeeze in China, many males of marriageable ages cannot find wives. To meet their sexual needs, those bachelors tend to use the internet to find sexual partners in recent years. However, studies on the psychosocial mechanisms underlying having sex with partners met online are scarce. This study examined the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and having sex with online partners based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of bachelors (with rural household registration, at least 28 years old and never married) (N = 735) in several regions of China. Logistic regression models show that attitudes and subjective norms were significantly associated with having sex with online partners. The mediation analysis further indicated that the intention of seeking sex partners online partially mediated the relationships across attitudes, subjective norms, and having sex with partners online. This study provides a better understanding of factors associated with having sex with partners met online. It also extends research concerning a population that is understudied. Additionally, it shows the applicability of the TBP model in explaining the factors associated with having sex with partners.

Heterogeneities in sleep duration and quality among U.S. immigrants from different racial and ethnic backgrounds

Liu, X., Li, J., Cho, Y., & Wu, B. (2024). Sleep Health, 10(4), 393-401. 10.1016/j.sleh.2024.03.006
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: Sleep plays an essential role in well-being. Although U.S. immigrants are considerably growing, few studies have examined sleep in this diverse population, particularly those from Asian backgrounds. It is also unclear how sleep differs by the length of residence across immigrant groups. In this study, we examined the relationships among race/ethnicity, length of residence, and sleep using a nationally representative cohort of U.S. immigrants. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey. The sample (N = 27,761; 14% ≥65 years old) included foreign-born adults from the following racial/ethnic backgrounds: non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Asian (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian), and Hispanic/Latino. Length of residence was categorized as <5, 5-9, 10-14, and ≥15 years. Sleep was assessed with self-reported sleep duration (normal, short, and long) and poor sleep quality (trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and waking up unrested). Results: Filipino and Hispanic/Latino immigrants reported the highest prevalence of short (41.8%) and long (7.0%) sleep, respectively. Non-Hispanic White immigrants had the highest prevalence rate across all three poor sleep quality measures (range 17.7-41.5%). Length of residence ≥15 years was significantly associated with worse sleep, and it moderated White-Asian differences in sleep quality. Immigrants from different racial/ethnic groups showed variations in sleep patterns as they resided longer in the US. Conclusions: Immigrants exhibited substantial heterogeneities in sleep. Future research should investigate the contributing factors to the variations in their sleep patterns, both between groups and within the same group of immigrants, in order to inform tailored interventions.

Home Health Care and Hospice Use Among Medicare Beneficiaries With and Without a Diagnosis of Dementia

Kim, H., Duberstein, P. R., Lin, H., Wu, B., Zafar, A., & Jarrín, O. F. (2024). Journal of Palliative Medicine, 27(6), 776-783. 10.1089/jpm.2023.0583
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Home health care is a core benefit of Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs and includes services to improve health, maintain health, or slow health decline. Objective: To examine the relationship between home health care use during the last three years of life and hospice use in the last six months of life among Medicare beneficiaries with and without dementia. Design: Nationally representative retrospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Medicare beneficiaries with at least three years of continuous enrollment who died in 2019 in the United States (n = 2,169,422). Measurements: The primary outcome was hospice use, and the secondary outcome was hospice duration. The independent variable was a composite of the presence and timing of home health care initiation during the last three years of life. Results: Home health care was used by 46.4% of Medicare beneficiaries and hospice care was used by 53.1% of beneficiaries, with 28.3% using both. Compared with beneficiaries who did not use home health care, those who started home health care before the last year of life (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.56-1.58) or during the last year of life (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.74-1.77) were more likely to use hospice. The effects were stronger in those without a diagnosis of dementia (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.90-1.94) compared with those without a dementia diagnosis (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.32-1.35) who started home health in the final year of life. Conclusions: Receiving home health care in the final years of life is associated with increased hospice use at the end-of-life in Medicare beneficiaries with and without a dementia diagnosis.

Hukou Status and Cognitive Function Among Older Chinese Adults: Does Support from Friends Matter?

Peng, C., Burr, J. A., Wu, B., & Li, M. (2024). Journal of Aging and Health, 36(7), 492-503. 10.1177/08982643231206819
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined whether older Chinese adults with different types of hukou status (government household registration system) exhibited different cognitive outcomes and whether receiving support from friends, an under-appreciated resource, helped mitigate the negative impacts of agricultural hukou status on cognitive health disparities. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this study tested these relationships with well-validated measures. Results: Our results showed that older Chinese adults with agricultural hukou were more likely to have worse cognitive function than those with non-agricultural hukou. Further, friend support characteristics moderated the association between hukou status and cognitive function, whereby having better friend support was related to a weaker negative effect of agricultural hukou status on cognitive function. Discussion: The findings suggested that agricultural hukou status reflects the effects of accumulated disadvantage across the life course with negative consequences for late-life cognition. The cognitive health disparities between agricultural and non-agricultural residents may be reduced in the context of a higher level of friend support, supporting a stress buffering hypothesis.