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

Association between Dying Experience and Place of Death: Urban-Rural Differences among Older Chinese Adults

Dong, T., Zhu, Z., Guo, M., Du, P., & Wu, B. (2019). Journal of Palliative Medicine, 22(11), 1386-1393. 10.1089/jpm.2018.0583
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The quality of the dying experience among older adults should improve with a better understanding of the dying experience and its association with the place of death in Mainland China. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between the dying experience and place of death among older Chinese adults in the context of an urban-rural bifurcated system. Design: We used the end-of-life module data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey conducted in 2014 and 2016 with an eligible sample of 352 decedents ages 60 and older. Facial expression and sadness at the end of life were indicators of the dying experience in the present study. We performed multiple regression models to examine the association between the place of death and dying experience after adjusting for an ecological array of factors at the individual, family, and community levels. Results: The urban-rural differences in the association between facial expression at death and place of death were identified (interaction term: β = 0.16, p = 0.004). Among the decedents with a rural residence status, dying in a hospital was associated with a more peaceful facial expression at death than dying at home (p < 0.001). Among the decedents with an urban residence status, the place of death was not significantly related to the dying experience. Conclusion: Although home is perceived as a common place for death, the findings revealed that dying at home was less positive for rural older adults compared with dying in hospital. Bridging the gaps between urban and rural areas is necessary for the reform and construction of health care and long-term care systems in China.

Association Between Tooth Loss and Hypertension Among Older Chinese Adults: A community-based study

Da, D., Wang, F., Zhang, H., Zeng, X., Jiang, Y., Zhao, Q., Luo, J., Ding, D., Zhang, Y., & Wu, B. (2019). BMC Oral Health, 19(1), 277. 10.1186/s12903-019-0966-3
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to examine the association between tooth loss and hypertension among older community residents in urban China.METHODS: This study included 3677 participants aged ≥50 years from the Shanghai Aging Study. We determined the number of teeth missing from questionnaires. Hypertension was defined as the mean of two measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (140 mmHg or higher), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (90 mmHg or higher) or physician-diagnosed hypertension confirmed from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between tooth loss and hypertension.RESULTS: The average number of missing teeth among study participants was 9.67. Among them, participants with hypertension had lost an average of 10.88 teeth, significantly higher than those without hypertension (8.95) (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for covariates (socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors and other chronic conditions), teeth lost (15 or more) was significantly associated with grade III hypertension, with OR = 1.55(95% CI 1.09-2.20).CONCLUSIONS: Significant tooth loss maybe associated with severe hypertension among older Chinese adults. Prevention of tooth loss is important to the overall health of this population.

Cardioprotective medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease in China: a systematic review.

Ni, Z., Dardas, L., Wu, B., & Shaw, R. J. (2019). Heart Asia, 11(2). 10.1136/heartasia-2018-011173
Abstract
Abstract
In China, poor cardioprotective medication adherence is a key reason for the high mortality rate of coronary heart disease (CHD). The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe and synthesise factors that influence medication adherence among Chinese people with CHD, (2) evaluate the current status of intervention studies, and (3) discuss directions of future research to improve medication adherence. A comprehensive search using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Scopus, Global Health and PsycINFO was undertaken to describe poor adherence in China. Thirty-three eligible articles were included in the study. The review shows that there are multiple contributing factors to poor medication adherence, including patients' sociodemographic characteristics, health status and medication characteristics. In addition, from patients' perspective, lack of medication-related knowledge, such as the name, function, dosage and frequency, contributes to poor adherence. From physicians' perspective, a gap exists between CHD secondary prevention guidelines and clinical practice in China. Follow-up phone calls, educational lectures, booklets and reminder cards were common methods found to be effective in improving medication adherence. This systematic review indicates that cardioprotective medications were commonly prescribed as secondary prevention medication to patients with CHD in China, but adherence to these medications gradually decreased during a follow-up period. Therefore, more research should be conducted on how to establish high-quality health educational programmes aimed at increasing patients' medication adherence.

Chinese Dementia Caregiver Intervention Research and its Future Development

Wu, B., Zhu, Z., Wang, J., & Xu, H. (2019). Chinese Nursing Management, 172-177.

Chinese Physicians’ Perspectives on the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guideline: A Mobile App-Based Survey

Ni, Z., He, J., Wang, J. G., Cao, J., Yang, Q., Wu, B., & Shaw, R. J. (2019). High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prevention, 26(3), 247-257. 10.1007/s40292-019-00321-9
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension is a leading global risk factor for death and disability. Seeking new ways to prevent and treat hypertension is a priority for scientists and healthcare professionals worldwide. In November 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a new hypertension guideline shifting the definition of hypertension from 140/90 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg for systolic/diastolic blood pressure. This new diagnostic threshold of hypertension has sparked a lively discussion worldwide over whether it should be applied in clinical settings to diagnose and treat hypertension. China, the world’s most populous country, is facing a hypertension crisis. According to the 140/90 mm Hg guideline, China has an estimated 244.5 million population aged ≥ 18 years with hypertension, and another 435.3 million with pre-hypertension. If the new guideline is adopted, the prevalence of hypertension in China would double. This change would significantly impact patients, healthcare professionals, scientists, and policy makers in terms of the delivery of care and needed resources. Aim: This study aims to investigate whether Chinese physicians will use the 130/80 mm Hg threshold to diagnose hypertension in clinical practice. Methods: In March 2018, we launched a mobile app-based survey to study 253 Chinese physicians’ perspectives on the ACC/AHA Guideline. Results: A total of 253 physicians from 21 Chinese provinces completed the survey. Nearly 80% of the participants had already noticed the ACC/AHA guideline change. The proportion of participants who said they would use the new threshold to diagnoses hypertension was 41%, while 59% said they would not use the new threshold. The primary reason for those who said “yes” was that they believed early diagnosis of hypertension can trigger early actions to prevent the increasing blood pressure. For those who said “no”, they argued that their decision was based on the fact that the Chinese Hypertension Prevention Guideline had not yet changed the diagnostic threshold from 140/90 to 130/80 mm Hg. Conclusions: Different understanding of hypertension prevention and treatment exists among Chinese physicians. It is an emergent need to form an evidence-based authoritative answer to guide Chinese physicians’ future clinical practice.

Cognitive function and oral health among ageing adults

Kang, J., Wu, B., Bunce, D., Ide, M., Pavitt, S., & Wu, J. (2019). Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 47(3), 259-266. 10.1111/cdoe.12452
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: There is inconclusive evidence that cognitive function is associated with oral health in older adults. This study investigated the association between cognitive function and oral health among older adults in England. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included 4416 dentate participants aged 50 years or older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing during 2002-2014. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline in 2002/2003 using a battery of cognitive function tests. The self-reported number of teeth remaining and self-rated general oral health status was reported in 2014/2015. Ordinal logistic regression was applied to model the association between cognitive function at baseline and tooth loss or self-rated oral health. Results: Cognitive function at baseline was negatively associated with the risk of tooth loss (per each 1 standard deviation lower in cognitive function score, OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.21). When cognitive function score was categorized into quintiles, there was a clear gradient association between cognitive function and tooth loss (P-trend = 0.003); people in the lowest quintile of cognitive function had higher risk of tooth loss than those in the highest quintile (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.74). A similar magnitude and direction of association were evident between cognitive function and self-rated oral health. Conclusion: This longitudinal study in an English ageing population has demonstrated that poor cognitive function at early stage was associated with poorer oral health and higher risk of tooth loss in later life. The gradient relationship suggests that an improvement in cognitive function could potentially improve oral health and reduce the risk of tooth loss in the ageing population.

Contributory behaviors and life satisfaction among Chinese older adults: Exploring variations by gender and living arrangements

Liu, S., Zhang, W., Wu, L. H., & Wu, B. (2019). Social Science and Medicine, 229, 70-78. 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.06.015
Abstract
Abstract
The rapid population aging taking place in China makes studies tackling opportunities associated with aging an urgent priority. Based on the productive aging perspective, this study examines the relationship between contributory behaviors (i.e., providing economic, housework, and emotional support to adult children and providing care for grandchildren) and life satisfaction, as well as how gender and living arrangements modify the relationship. Using data collected from 809 older adults in Wuhan, China, and applying ordinary least squares regressions, this study found that engaging in contributory behaviors in general, and providing emotional support to adult children and caring for grandchildren in particular, are associated with enhanced life satisfaction. The association between caring for grandchildren and life satisfaction is only salient for males but not for females. For living arrangements, the positive association between engaging in contributory behaviors and life satisfaction is only identified among older adults living with their spouse and other family members. The positive association of providing emotional support to adult children with life satisfaction is significant for older adults living with their spouse only. Finally, frequently taking care of grandchildren is related positively to life satisfaction among those living with both spouse and other family members. Our findings provide empirical evidence suggesting that Chinese older adults are still very active in providing support to family members and highlight the beneficial effects of contributory behaviors on individual's life satisfaction. For policy makers, it is important to continuously promote values of contributing behaviors to family and take into account the importance of family ties and family support to older adults when designing new elder care programs.

Correlational research between the status health literacy and health behavior of the inpatients with stroke

Li, J., Wu, B., Tian, F., Liu, J., Zhao, X., & Zhou, Y. (2019). Journal of Nursing Science (Chinese), 34(11), 13-15. 10.3870/j.issn.1001-4152.2019.11.00
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To explore the correlation between health literacy and healthy behaviors in patients with stroke, and provide corresponding reference for patients' rehabilitation intervention. Methods: A convenient sampling method was used to select 508 stroke patients from the neurology department and physiatry department of fore third-grade hospitals in Guiyang from November 2017 to March 2018. A total of 508 stroke patients were investigated and analyzed using the Chronic Diseases Health Literacy Survey Scale, the Health Promotion Lifestyle Scale II, and the General Survey Form. Results: The overall score of healthy behavior of stroke patients was (31.26±7.74) points, the overall score of healthy behavior of stroke patients was (123.26±23.74) points; Pearson correlation analysis: health literacy level and healthy behavior level were positively correlated (r=0.625,P<0.01); the relationship between the level of healthy behavior and the improvement of health will which is from the health literacy is the strongest (r=0.621,P<0.01); the correlation between the health literacy and the self-actualization level which is from healthy behaviors is the highest (r=0.562,P<0.01). Conclusion: The level of health literacy is positively correlated with the level of health behavior, and there is a positive correlation between each dimension. Medical personnel should start from the correlation between health literacy and health behavior, to improve the rehabilitation treatment of patients.

Dementia caregiver interventions in Chinese people: A systematic review

Wu, B., Petrovsky, D. V., Wang, J., Xu, H., Zhu, Z., McConnell, E. S., & Corrazzini, K. N. (2019). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(3), 528-542. 10.1111/jan.13865
Abstract
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the characteristics and the efficacy of dementia caregiving interventions among the Chinese population. Background: In recent years, an increasing number of dementia caregiving interventions have been developed for Chinese older adults living in Asia that aim to reduce caregivers’ burden, depression and distress, and enhance quality of life. Little is known, however, on the nature and the efficacy of these interventions. Design: Systematic review with narrative summary. Data sources: We searched four databases for studies published in English between 1 January 1994–30 December 2017. Nineteen studies reported in 23 articles were included in the final analysis. Review methods: We used a set of criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess for the risk of bias across studies. Results: We found that interventions varied in length, frequency, approach, and content, making comparisons across studies challenging. Caregivers’ burden, depression, and distress were improved among most included studies. All studies that examined quality of life of caregivers (N = 6) showed improvement. Most of the interventions showed beneficial effects on care recipients’ behavioural symptoms, agitation, and depression; cognitive function, however, failed to improve. Conclusion: Although the review found mixed results on intervention outcomes, the majority of interventions showed a potential to improve the health and well-being of dementia caregivers and care recipients. This review provides suggestions for future dementia caregiving research in the Chinese population, such as inclusion of relevant theoretical frameworks and more rigorous research designs.

Dementia Caregiver Interventions in Chinese Population: A Systematic Review

Wu, B., Petrovsky, D. V., Wang, J., Xu, H., Zheng, Z., McConnell, E. S., & Corazzini, K. (2019). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(3), 528-542. 10.1111/jan.13865
Abstract
Abstract
AimsThe aim of this systematic review was to examine the characteristics and efficacy of dementia caregiving interventions among the Chinese population.BackgroundIn recent years, an increasing number of dementia caregiving interventions have been developed for Chinese older adults living in Asia that aim to reduce caregivers’ burden, depression and distress and enhance quality of life. Little is known, however, on the nature and the efficacy of these interventions.DesignSystematic review with narrative summary.Data SourcesWe searched four databases for studies published in English between 1 January 1994 ‐ 30 December 2017. Nineteen studies reported in twenty‐three articles were included in the final analysis.Review MethodsWe used a set of criteria from the Cochrane Collaboration tool to assess for the risk of bias across studies.ResultsWe found that interventions varied in length, frequency, approach and content, making comparisons across studies challenging. Caregivers’ burden, depression and distress were improved among most included studies. All studies that examined quality of life of caregivers (N=6) showed improvement. Most of the interventions showed beneficial effects on care recipients’ behavioral symptoms, agitation and depression; cognitive function, however, failed to improve.ConclusionAlthough the review found mixed results on intervention outcomes, the majority of interventions showed a potential to improve the health and well‐being of dementia caregivers and care recipients. This review provides suggestions for future dementia caregiving research in the Chinese population, such as inclusion of relevant theoretical frameworks and more rigorous research designs.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.