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

Bei Wu's additional information

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

Faculty Honors Awards

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

Publications

Dental care utilization among older adults with cognitive impairment in the USA

Lee, K. H., Wu, B., & Plassman, B. L. (2015). Geriatrics and Gerontology International, 15(3), 255-260. 10.1111/ggi.12264
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: We examined the relationship between cognitive impairment and dental care utilization among older adults in the USA. Methods: A total of 329 older adults aged 70 years and older in West Virginia, USA, were included in the present analyses. We carried out multivariate ordinal regression analyses. Results: Individuals with dementia were less likely to visit a dentist regularly, and more time had passed since their last dental visit compared with individuals with normal cognitive function. However, the pattern of dental care utilization for those with cognitive impairment, not dementia did not differ from individuals with normal cognition. A perceived greater social network and having dental insurance were associated with increased dental care utilization. Conclusions: Less dental care utilization might contribute to the oral health problems often observed among individuals with dementia. Efforts to increase the use of dental care should include cost-effective options for dental insurance. In addition, educating formal and informal caregivers on the importance of dental care might be beneficial, as these individuals are in the best position to facilitate dental care for individuals with dementia.

The effect of a urinary incontinence self-management program for older women in South Korea: A pilot study

De Gagne, J. C., So, A., Wu, B., Palmer, M. H., & McConnell, E. S. (2015). International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 2(1), 39-46. 10.1016/j.ijnss.2015.01.002
Abstract
Abstract
Background Although self-management approaches have shown strong evidence of positive outcomes for urinary incontinence prevention and management, few programs have been developed for Korean rural communities. Objectives This pilot study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a urinary incontinence self-management program for community-dwelling women aged 55 and older with urinary incontinence in rural South Korea. Methods This study used a one-group pre- post-test design to measure the effects of the intervention using standardized urinary incontinence symptom, knowledge, and attitude measures. Seventeen community-dwelling older women completed weekly 90-min group sessions for 5 weeks. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests and were used to analyze data. Results The mean of the overall interference on daily life from urine leakage (pre-test: M = 5.76 ± 2.68, post-test: M = 2.29 ± 1.93, t = -4.609, p < 0.001) and the sum of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire scores (pre-test: M = 11.59 ± 3.00, post-test: M = 5.29 ± 3.02, t = -5.881, p < 0.001) indicated significant improvement after the intervention. Improvement was also noted on the mean knowledge (pre-test: M = 19.07 ± 3.34, post-test: M = 23.15 ± 2.60, t = 7.550, p < 0.001) and attitude scores (pre-test: M = 2.64 ± 0.19, post-test: M = 3.08 ± 0.41, t = 5.150, p < 0.001). Weekly assignments were completed 82.4% of the time. Participants showed a high satisfaction level (M = 26.82 ± 1.74, range 22-28) with the group program. Conclusions Implementation of a urinary incontinence self-management program was accompanied by improved outcomes for Korean older women living in rural communities who have scarce resources for urinary incontinence management and treatment. Urinary incontinence self-management education approaches have potential for widespread implementation in nursing practice.

The Effects of Qigong for Adults with Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bai, Z., Guan, Z., Fan, Y., Liu, C., Yang, K., Ma, B., & Wu, B. (2015). American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 43(8), 1525-1539. 10.1142/S0192415X15500871
Abstract
Abstract
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of qigong as a treatment for chronic pain. Five electronic databases were searched from their date of establishment until July 2014. The review included 10 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the impacts of qigong on chronic pain with waiting list or placebo or general care. Random effect models and standard mean differences were used to present pain scores. A total of 10 RCTs met inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference on reducing chronic pain between internal qigong and control (SMD: -1.23 95% CI=-2.23, -0.24 p=0.02), external qigong and general care (SMD: -1.53 95% CI=-2.15,-0.91 p<0.05), external qigong and placebo (SMD: -0.51 95% CI=-0.95,-0.06p=0.03), and internal qigong for chronic neck pain at 6 months (SMD: -1.00 95% CI=-1.94,-0.06 p=0.04). The differences between external qigong and control, external qigong and waiting list, internal qigong and waiting list, and external for premenstrual syndromes were not significant. This study showed that internal qigong generated benefits on treating some chronic pain with significant differences. External qigong showed nonsignificant differences in treating chronic pain. Higher quality randomized clinical trials with scientific rigor are needed to establish the effectiveness of qigong in reducing chronic pain.

Factors associated with traditional Chinese medicine utilization among urban community health centers in Hubei Province of China

Cai, Y., Mao, Z., Xu, B., & Wu, B. (2015). Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, 27(2), NP2489-NP2497. 10.1177/1010539513491415
Abstract
Abstract
This study aims to examine resources and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and factors influencing TCM utilization in urban community health centers (CHCs) in Hubei Province of China. A cross-sectional survey including 234 government-owned CHCs was conducted in 2009. One-way analysis of variance analysis and a Poisson regression model were used to examine distribution of TCM resources and factors influencing TCM utilization. This study found unequal distribution of TCM resources among districts. TCM outpatient visits were positively associated with higher economic development districts, lower initial capital investment of the CHCs, health services covered by health insurance, higher qualification of TCM physicians, provision of TCM health records and rehabilitation, and greater availability of herbal medicine. To achieve equal access to TCM services, policy makers should consider the socioeconomic differences and income groups, provide training for TCM physicians, build pathway to recruit senior TCM physicians, and cover more TCM therapies by health insurance.

Family caregiver's perception of Alzheimer's disease and caregiving in Chinese culture

Dai, B., Mao, Z., Wu, B., Mei, Y. J., Levkoff, S., & Wang, H. (2015). Social Work in Public Health, 30(2), 185-196. 10.1080/19371918.2014.969858
Abstract
Abstract
This study examined the perception of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and caregiving among family caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in China. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 46 family caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment in 2009 in Wuhan and Beijing, China. Participants included 38 spouses, 7 adult children, and 1 sibling, aged between 41 and 85 years old. The findings showed that all family caregivers thought the Chinese terminology of AD laonian chidai, brought discrimination to individuals with cognitive impairment. Caregivers of individuals with AD experienced burden and desired an increase of formal services. Traditional beliefs of respecting elders and caring for extended family members were held among family caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment, and there was nearly no difference found between caregivers of AD and those of MCI. It implied that traditional culture provided positive influences on caring for elders with cognitive impairment. An alternative term for MCI may contribute to further reducing the discrimination brought by the old Chinese terminology of AD laonian chidai. Development of formal services for elders with cognitive impairment may contribute to reducing caregivers' worries about future caregiving.

Forty-year trends in tooth loss among american adults with and without diabetes mellitus: An age-period-cohort analysis

Luo, H., Pan, W., Sloan, F., Feinglos, M., & Wu, B. (2015). Preventing Chronic Disease, 12(12). 10.5888/pcd12.150309
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to assess the trends in tooth loss among adults with and without diabetes mellitus in the United States and racial/ ethnic disparities in tooth loss patterns, and to evaluate trends in tooth loss by age, birth cohorts, and survey periods. Methods Data came from 9 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1971 through 2012. The trends in the estimated tooth loss in people with and without diabetes were assessed by age groups, survey periods, and birth cohorts. The analytical sample was 37,609 dentate (ie, with at least 1 permanent tooth) adults aged 25 years or older. We applied hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random-effects models for the trend analysis. Results The estimated number of teeth lost among non-Hispanic blacks with diabetes increased more with age than that among non-Hispanic whites with diabetes (z = 4.05, P <.001) or Mexican Americans with diabetes (z = 4.38, P <.001). During 1971-2012, there was a significant decreasing trend in the number of teeth lost among non-Hispanic whites with diabetes (slope = -0.20, P <.001) and non-Hispanic blacks with diabetes (slope = -0.37, P <.001). However, adults with diabetes had about twice the tooth loss as did those without diabetes. Conclusion Substantial differences in tooth loss between adults with and without diabetes and across racial/ethnic groups persisted over time. Appropriate dental care and tooth retention need to be further promoted among adults with diabetes.

Mediation Effect of Oral Hygiene on the Relationship Between Cognitive Function and Oral Health in Older Adults

Lee, K., Plassman, B. L., Pan, W., & Wu, B. (2015). Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 10.3928/00989134-20151218-03

Nursing Workforce in Hubei China: Implications for the development of traditional Chinese medicine education

Cai, Y., Mao, Z., Corazzini, K., Petrini, M. A., & Wu, B. (2015). Holistic Nursing Practice, 29(6), 370-376. 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000112
Abstract
Abstract
Research evidence suggests that educating nurses about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) significantly improves their nursing care practice and the health care outcomes of community residents. The purpose of this study was to describe the current use of TCM by China's nursing workforce, as well as the typical nurse to physician ratio and types of TCM education that nurses receive in health care facilities. A large retrospective survey was conducted in Hubei Province, China, in 2010. The sample included 620 non-TCM hospitals, 120 TCM hospitals, and 1254 community health centers (CHCs). Descriptive analysis and 1-way analysis of variance were used to test statistical differences. There were 79 447 nurses employed, of which 1527 had a TCM degree and 5689 had on-the-job TCM education. Non-TCM hospitals employed more nurses than TCM hospitals and CHCs, and TCM hospitals employed more TCM nurses than non-TCM hospitals and CHCs. The median nurse to physician ratio varied by level of urbanization and type of health care facility, from 0.6 in rural CHCs to 1.3 in rural non-TCM hospitals. Differences in TCM education preparation of nurses were significantly different in the urban and rural settings and by type of health care facility. The study suggested a shortage of nurses educated in TCM in Hubei Province China, as well as uneven TCM workforce distribution. More opportunities for TCM education are needed for nurses, especially in CHCs where health promotion and chronic disease management are the most important and mandated functions.

Oral Health among Older Chinese Immigrants and Implications for Social Work Practice

Mao, W., Wu, B., & Chi, I. (2015). Health and Social Work, 40(3), e75-e82. 10.1093/hsw/hlv035
Abstract
Abstract
This study reviewed the existing literature on oral health among older Chinese immigrants and discussed intervention strategies for improving the oral health of older Chinese immigrants in the context of social work practice. A systematic review was conducted of the existing empirical studies on oral health, dental care utilization, and traditional oral health beliefs among older Chinese immigrants. There were very limited studies published in the topic area. The findings showed that older Chinese immigrants had poorer oral health and less dental care use than the general population in their host country. Higher levels of English-language proficiency, stronger social support, and longer length of stay in the host country were positively related to increased dental care utilization. Cultural beliefs and knowledge were related to oral health status and dental care utilization. Overall, the findings support the need to consider the cultural characteristics and background of older Chinese immigrants when strengthening oral health promotion. It is critical to partner with Chinese community agencies to conduct community-based oral health promotion programs and advocate for policy changes.

Self-reported diabetes treatment among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with diabetes: Comparison of urban residents, migrants in urban settings, and rural residents

Xu, H., Luo, J., & Wu, B. (2015). International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 2(1), 9-14. 10.1016/j.ijnss.2015.01.005
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose To compare self-reported diabetes treatments among Chinese urban residents, rural migrants in urban settings, and rural residents. Methods Data from 993 diabetics at least 45 years of age were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study conducted in 2011. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between individual characteristics and diabetes treatments. Results In total, 719/993 (72.4%) of the respondents received treatment for diabetes; of which < 8% used insulin therapy. Urban residents were more likely than rural residents to use insulin therapy [odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.99; p < 0.05], and more likely to use traditional Chinese medicine than migrants (OR = 0.30, CI: 0.10-0.96; p < 0.05). Overall, rural residents showed lower treatment rates than urban and migrant populations. Conclusion Efforts to improve and enhance diabetes treatments, particularly among rural residents, are urgently needed in China.