Bei Wu

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, New York Academy of Medicine

Fellow, Gerontological Society of America

Fellow, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

The development of a personalized symptom management mobile health application for persons living with hiv in China

Han, S., Pei, Y., Wang, L., Hu, Y., Qi, X., Zhao, R., Zhang, L., Sun, W., Zhu, Z., & Wu, B. (2021). In Journal of Personalized Medicine (Vols. 11, Issues 5). 10.3390/jpm11050346

Abstract

Abstract

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) continuously experience symptom burdens. Their symptom prevalence and severity are also quite different. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) offer exceptional opportunities for using personalized interventions when and where PLWH are needed. This study aimed to demonstrate the development process of the symptom management (SM) app and the structure and content of it. Our research team systematically searched for evidence-based resources and summarized up-to-date evidence for symptom management and health education. Our multidisciplinary research team that included physicians, nurses, software engineers, and nursing professors, evaluated the structure and content of the drafted app. Both quantitative data and qualitative results were collected at a group discussion meeting. Quantitative data were scores of sufficient evidence, situational suitability, practicability, cost-effectiveness, and understandability (ranged from one to four) for 119 items of the app contents, including the health tracking module, the self-assessment module, coping strategies for 18 symptoms (80 items), medication management, complementary therapy, diet management, exercise, relaxation techniques, and the obtaining support module. The SM app was comprised of eight modules and provided several personalized symptom management functions, including assessing symptoms and receiving different symptom management strategies, tracking health indicators, and communicating with medical staff. The SM app was a promising and flexible tool for HIV symptom management. It provided PLWH with personalized symptom management strategies and facilitated the case management for medical staff. Future studies are needed to further test the app’s usability among PLWH users and its effects on symptom management.

Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). In Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (Vols. 22, Issues 10, pp. 2039-2045). 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: To quantify the dose-response associations between tooth loss and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Design: Longitudinal studies that examined the association between tooth loss and cognitive function were systematically searched on 6 databases through March 1, 2020. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Risk estimates were pooled using random-effects models. The dose-response associations were assessed using generalized least squares spline models. Setting and Participants: Adults from community, institution, outpatient or in-hospital were included in the meta-analysis. Measures: Cognitive impairment and dementia were defined by neuropsychological tests, diagnostic criteria, or medical records. Tooth loss was self-reported or assessed by clinical examinations. Results: Fourteen studies were entered into the meta-analysis, including 34,074 participants and 4689 cases with diminished cognitive function. Participants with more tooth loss had a 1.48 times higher risk of developing cognitive impairment [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.87] and 1.28 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia (95% CI 1.09–1.49); however, the association was nonsignificant for participants using dentures (relative risk = 1.10, 95% CI 0.90–1.11). Eight studies were included in the dose-response analysis, and data supported the use of linear models. Each additional tooth loss was associated with a 0.014 increased relative risk of cognitive impairment and 0.011 elevated relative risks of dementia. Edentulous participants faced a 1.54 times higher risk of cognitive impairment and a 1.40 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia. Conclusions and Implications: Moderate-quality evidence suggested tooth loss was independently associated with cognitive impairment and dementia; risk of diminished cognitive function increased with incremental numbers of teeth lost. Furthermore, timely prosthodontic treatment with dentures may reduce the progression of cognitive decline related to tooth loss.

Effects of a symptom management intervention based on group sessions combined with a mobile health application for persons living with HIV in China : A randomized controlled trial

Han, S., Pei, Y., Zhao, R., Hu, Y., Zhang, L., Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Sun, W., & Wu, B. (2021). In International Journal of Nursing Sciences (Vols. 8, Issues 4, pp. 370-379). 10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.07.002

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a symptom management intervention (SMI) based on symptom management group sessions combined with a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) on the knowledge of symptom management, the certainty of symptom self-management, symptom severity, symptom distress, medication adherence, social support, and quality of life among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in China. Methods: A parallel randomized controlled trial with 61 PLWH was conducted in Shanghai, China. The participants in the control group (n = 30) downloaded the Symptom Management (SM) app according to their needs and preferences, and received routine follow-ups. The participants in the intervention group (n = 31) were guided to download and use the SM app, and received four tailored weekly group sessions at routine follow-ups. Each group session lasted for approximately 2 h and targeted one of the major modules of the SM app. All the outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024821). Results: The symptom management knowledge and certainty of symptom self-management were significantly improved after the intervention (all P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the scores of symptoms reasons knowledge score improved 11.47 points (95% CI: 3.41, 19.53) and scores of symptoms self-management knowledge score improved 12.80 points (95% CI: 4.55, 21.05) in the intervention group after controlling for covariates. However, other outcomes did not show statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The SMI could improve PLWH's symptom management knowledge and certainty of symptom self-management. Multi-center studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to further understand the effects of SM app on ameliorating symptom severity and symptom distress. More innovative strategies are also needed to promote and maintain the sustainability of the SM app.

Effects of Nurse-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Depression and Anxiety for Persons Living With HIV in China : A Clinical Controlled Trial

Han, S., Hu, Y., Relf, M. V., Mulawa, M. I., Lu, H., Zhang, L., Zhu, Z., Luo, J., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2021). In The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC (Vols. 32, Issue 1, pp. 79-93). 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000213

Abstract

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Depression and anxiety, which may influence antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication adherence, are prevalent among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in China. This parallel two-arm clinical controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of a nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) on depression, anxiety, and ART medication adherence in Chinese PLWH. Using in-person and online recruitment, 140 PLWH ages 18 years and older who were undergoing ART and had a Patient Health Questionnaire-4 score of ≥2 were assigned to the 10-week-long CBI group or the routine follow-up group according to their preference. Outcomes were measured at baseline, postintervention, and 6-month follow-up. Results showed significant intervention effects on depression maintained until the 6-month follow-up. Although anxiety and ART medication adherence did not show robust effects between conditions, amelioration trends for these outcomes were also found. Our study demonstrated that the nurse-delivered CBI could help Chinese PLWH ameliorate depression.

Effects of the Co-occurrence of Diabetes Mellitus and Tooth Loss on Cognitive Function

Luo, H., Tan, C., Adhikari, S., Plassman, B. L., Kamer, A. R., Sloan, F. A., Schwartz, M. D., Qi, X., & Wu, B. (2021). In Current Alzheimer Research (Vols. 18, Issues 13, pp. 1023-1031). 10.2174/1567205019666211223093057

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor oral health are common chronic conditions and risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia among older adults. This study assessed the effects of DM and complete tooth loss (TL) on cognitive function, accounting for their interactions. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from the 2006, 2012, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. This cohort study included 7,805 respondents aged 65 years or older with 18,331 person-year observations. DM and complete TL were self-reported. Cognitive function was measured by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Random-effect regressions were used to test the associations, overall and stratified by sex. Results: Compared with older adults without neither DM nor complete TL, those with both conditions (b =-1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]:-1.68,-1.02), with complete TL alone (b =-0.67, 95% CI:-0.88,-0.45), or with DM alone (b =-0.40, 95% CI:-0.59,-0.22), had lower cognitive scores. The impact of having both conditions was significantly greater than that of having DM alone (p < .001) or complete TL alone (p = 0.001). Sex-stratified analyses showed the effects were similar in males and females, except having DM alone was not significant in males. Conclusion: The co-occurrence of DM and complete TL poses an additive risk for cognition. Healthcare and family-care providers should pay attention to the cognitive health of patients with both DM and complete TL. Continued efforts are needed to improve older adults’ access to dental care, especially for individuals with DM.

Evaluating the Quality of Home Care in China Using the Home Care Quality Assessment Tool

Tang, X., Ge, S., Ma, C., Chen, X., Pei, Y., Zhou, L., & Wu, B. (2021). In Journal of Transcultural Nursing (Vols. 32, Issues 2, pp. 173-179). 10.1177/1043659620953191

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of home care in China using the Home Care Quality Assessment Tool (HCQuAT). Method: We recruited 38 home health agencies in Shanghai, China, which included 18 in urban areas, 11 in suburban areas, and nine in rural areas. Data on quality of home care from each agency were collected by trained staff using the HCQuAT. Results: On average, these home health agencies scored 74.28/100.00 (SD = 6.80) on the HCQuAT, with an excellence rate of 39.5% and a failing rate of 23.7%. The mean scores on the structure quality module, process quality module, and outcome quality module were 71.2 ± 21.8, 86.6 ± 9.2, and 44.1 ± 37.5, respectively. Significant differences existed across geographic locations (p =.018). Discussion: Significant variations were identified in the quality of home care across quality modules and geographic locations. Outcome quality and quality in rural areas were lower than those for their counterparts.

Evolving symptom networks in relation to HIV-positive duration among people living with HIV : A network analysis

Zhu, Z., Wen, H., Yang, Z., Han, S., Fu, Y., Zhang, L., Hu, Y., & Wu, B. (2021). In International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Vols. 108, pp. 503-509). 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.084

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: To explore and visualize the relationships among multiple symptoms in people living with HIV (PLWH) and compare centrality indices and the density of symptom networks among groups of individuals with different HIV-positive durations. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the HIV-related Symptoms Monitoring Survey conducted in China. Networks were constructed among 27 symptoms. Centrality properties, including strength and closeness, and network density were used to describe relationships among symptoms in 5 different HIV-positive duration groups. Results: The findings showed that PLWH with longer HIV-positive durations did not have more severe symptoms; instead, their symptom networks were denser than those of their newly HIV-diagnosed counterparts (F = 27.073, P < 0.001). Fatigue was the most severe and central symptom in PLWH with an HIV-positive duration 10 years. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a need to include an assessment of PLWH symptom networks as an essential component of HIV care. We recommended evaluating cognitive function and cognitive training as essential components of HIV care for long-term survivors, even in younger populations (aged ≤50 years).

Existing Datasets to Study the Impact of Internal Migration on Caregiving Arrangements among Older Adults in China

Xu, H., Pei, Y., Dupre, M. E., & Wu, B. (2021). In Journal of Aging and Social Policy. 10.1080/08959420.2021.1926866

Abstract

Abstract

Massive rural-to-urban migration in China has a significant impact on informal caregiving arrangements among Chinese older adults. To stimulate research on the intersection of migration and caregiving, we conducted an inventory of longitudinal aging survey datasets from mainland China. Large publicly available datasets that included measures related to migration and caregiving were searched and reviewed for eligibility. Key characteristics of each dataset, including study design, sample size, and measures, were extracted. Seven eligible datasets were identified, and five included nationally representative samples. Measures for migration varied across datasets. Some datasets included information on the migration history of older adults, whereas others focused on the migration of adult children. Similarly, caregiving was measured using different questions in each dataset. Caregiving activities were assessed with regard to their type, source, and amount. High-quality datasets exist to support research on migration and caregiving arrangements among Chinese older adults.

Experience of chronic noncommunicable disease in people living with HIV : a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies

Yang, Z., Zhu, Z., Lizarondo, L., Xing, W., Han, S., Hu, H., Hu, Y., & Wu, B. (2021). In BMC public health (Vols. 21, Issue 1). 10.1186/s12889-021-11698-5

Abstract

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of people living with HIV (PLWH) have had chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the last 5 years. However, robust evidence regarding the perception and challenges of having NCDs among PLWH is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of PLWH with NCDs. Methods: We used a meta-aggregation approach to synthesize qualitative studies. Peer-reviewed and gray literature published in English and Chinese from 1996 to November 2020 was searched using electronic databases. Two reviewers independently appraised the methodological quality and extracted data from the included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesize the findings. Results: In total, 10,594 studies were identified in the initial database search. Fourteen eligible studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Among these studies, nine synthesized findings regarding the following topics were identified: fragmented healthcare systems, care continuity, manifestations of multiple conditions, financial hardship, stigma and discrimination, polypharmacy burden and adherence, reciprocal relationships between HIV and NCDs, and coping strategies. Conclusions: In recent years, attempts have been made to institutionalize NCD preventive and control services in HIV long-term care. However, considering the growing problem of HIV and NCD comorbidity globally, integrated primary health care systems are needed to address the problems of PLWH with NCDs. Healthcare professionals should help PLWH develop strategies to better monitor their polypharmacy burden and adherence, stigma and discrimination, financial hardship, and manifestations of multiple conditions to achieve high levels of care continuity.

Experiences of discrimination and oral health-related quality of life among foreign-born older Chinese Americans : Does resilience play a mediating role?

Mao, W., Wu, B., Chi, I., Yang, W., & Dong, X. Q. (2021). In Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 10.1111/cdoe.12723

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: It is well-established that racial discrimination influences quality of life, but there is scarce evidence about how racial discrimination affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Furthermore, the pathways linking racial discrimination and OHRQoL remain unknown. Guided by the integrative framework of immigration, ageing, and oral health, psychosocial stressors and resources exert influences on OHRQoL. In addition, according to the compensatory model of resilience, resilient resources could counteract risk exposures to stressors given specific outcomes. Hence, this study examined the relationship between experiences of discrimination and OHRQoL and investigated resilience as a mediator in such a relationship among older Chinese immigrants. Methods: Data came from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago collected between 2017 and 2019. The working sample included 3054 foreign-born older Chinese Americans aged 60 years or older. OHRQoL was measured by seven items from the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Experiences of discrimination (yes or no) were measured by the 9-item Experiences of Discrimination instrument. Resilience was measured by the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the direct and indirect pathways towards OHRQoL. Results: Experiences of discrimination were directly associated with poorer OHRQoL (b = −0.98, P