Xiang Qi

Faculty

Xiang Qi headshot

Xiang Qi

PhD RN

Assistant Professor

1 212 992 5797

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Xiang Qi, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. His research sits at the intersection of gerontology, social epidemiology & psychiatry, and geriatric oral health. He conducts interdisciplinary research focusing on social disparities of healthy aging and longevity that crosscuts a range of areas in social isolation & loneliness, immigration, and neighborhood environment. The goal of Qi’s work is to reduce health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in the US and globally. Qi is an expert in data science and quantitative methodology, including machine learning, multilevel modeling, and causal inference, and has extensive experience working with large-scale data analyses as well as analyzing electronic health records to understand the social determinants of health disparities.

Qi is the Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects investigating the disparities in cardiometabolic diseases, mental health, and cognitive health across older Asian American ethnic groups. Prior to joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, he served as a Research Scientist on the “NYUCI-ES: Psychosocial Intervention to Improve Health Outcomes for Chinese and Korean ADRD Caregivers project (P50MD017356)” at the Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity. He also works on NIH-funded projects to elucidate the neurobiological pathways on the associations between poor oral health and dementia.

Among his many honors, Qi has received the Douglas Holmes Emerging Scholar Paper Award, the ESPO Best Poster Award, and the Minority Issues in Gerontology Student Poster Award, from the Gerontological Society of America. He has also been recognized with the 2022-2023 Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award from NYU Meyers. Additionally, Qi has received the FIRE Doctoral Student Research Leadership Award from the New York Academy of Medicine. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including U.S. News & World Reports, Yahoo!, Cable News Network (CNN), Science News, PsyPost, Daily Nurse, Dental Tribute, National Institute of Aging, Dentistry Today, and Neuroscience News. Qi’s research on the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive health has garnered significant attention and recognition.

Qi earned his PhD from New York University. He completed his Bachelor of Science at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, which included an exchange program at the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, Davis.

PhD, Nursing Research and Theory Development, New York University
Exchange Program, Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, Davis
BS, Fudan University

Gerontology
Oral-systemic health
Immigrants
Mental health
Underserved populations
Community/population health

Alzheimer’s Association International Society
New York Academy of Medicine
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society
Gerontological Society of American
Eastern Nursing Research Society

Minority Issues in Gerontology Student Poster Award, Gerontological Society of American (2023)
2022-2023 Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing (2023)
The Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization – Carol Schutz Student Travel Award, Gerontological Society of American (2022)
Minority Issues in Gerontology Student Poster Award, Gerontological Society of American (2022)
Douglas Holmes Emerging Scholar Paper Award, Gerontological Society of American (2022)
The Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization – Best Poster Award, Gerontological Society of American (2022)
FIRE Doctoral Student Research Leadership Award, New York Academy of Medicine (2022)
Student Registration Award, Gerontological Society of American (2021)
Excellent Graduate of Shanghai, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (2019)
Research and Innovation Award, Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (2018)
National Undergraduate Scholarship, Ministry of Education of China (2018)National Undergraduate Scholarship, Ministry of Education of China (2018)
Overseas Exchange Outstanding Student Scholarship, Fudan University, China (2017)
The First Prize Scholarship, Fudan University, China (2016)
Excellent Student Leader, Fudan University, China (2015)

Prevalence and determinants of food insecurity during the 2022 COVID-19 related lockdown in Shanghai

Liu, Y., Li, G., Qi, X., Wu, B., Latkin, C. A., Tang, W., & Hall, B. J. (2023). Global Public Health, 18(1). 10.1080/17441692.2023.2246066
Abstract
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic has led to increased food insecurity levels. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity during the two-month (1 April to 1 June 2022) city-wide lockdown in Shanghai. The data was collected via an online questionnaire from 3230 adult Shanghai residents during the lockdown. Food insecurity was measured using an adapted version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Nearly 70% of participants reported being exposed to food insecurity. Using multivariable logistic regressions, we examined the associations between key correlates (i.e. age, income, lockdown-related income loss, migration, employment status, social capital, preparedness, and received social support) and overall food insecurity while adjusting for ethnicity, gender, education, household size, and marital status. Results showed that compared to local Shanghai residents, migrants (i.e, permanent migrants with Hukou (OR = 2.16), permanent migrants without Hukou (OR = 2.06), temporary migrants (OR = 2.74)), and participants with less than or greather than 50% lockdown-related income loss (OR = 2.60, OR = 3.09), were associated with higher odds of overall food insecurity. Participants with greater preparedness (OR = 0.66), greater bonding social capital (OR = 0.93), and greater bridging social capital (OR = 0.94), had lower odds of overall food insecurity. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance food resilience and health equity among vulnerable populations.

Prevalence and Incidence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Adults with Diabetes in the United States

Zheng, Y., Ma, Q., Zhu, Z., Wu, B., & Qi, X. (2023). Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 205, 110976. 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110976
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists about the prevalence and incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in individuals with diabetes in the U.S. We aimed to address such knowledge gaps using a nationally representative study dataset.METHOD: We conducted a secondary analysis from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (1996-2018). The sample for examining the prevalence of MCI was14,988, with 4,192 (28.0%) having diabetes, while the sample for the incidence was 21,824, with 1,534 (28.0%) having diabetes.RESULTS: Participants with diabetes had a higher prevalence of MCI than those without diabetes (19.9% vs. 14.8%; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] (OR[95%CI]): 1.468 [1.337, 1.611], p<.001). The incidence of MCI in participants with/without newly diagnosed diabetes was 42.9% vs. 31.6% after a mean 10-year follow-up, with the incidence rate ratio (IRR) [95%CI] (1.314 [1.213, 1.424], p<.001). Newly diagnosed diabetes was associated with elevated risks of MCI compared with non-diabetes, with the uncontrolled hazard ratio (HR) [95%CI] (1.498 [1.405, 1.597], p<.001).CONCLUSIONS: Using a nationally representative study data in the U.S., participants with diabetes had a higher prevalence and incidence of MCI than those without diabetes. Findings show the importance of developing interventions tailored to the needs of individuals with diabetes and cognitive impairment.

The promise and peril of ChatGPT in geriatric nursing education: What We know and do not know

Qi, X., Zhu, Z., & Wu, B. (2023). Aging and Health Research, 3(2). 10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100136

Sex differences in the mediating role of chronic inflammation on the association between social isolation and cognitive functioning among older adults in the United States

Qi, X., Ng, T. K. S., & Wu, B. (2023). Psychoneuroendocrinology, 149. 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106023
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Previous research has reported the association between social isolation and cognitive impairment. However, biological mechanisms underlying this association are understudied. It is also unclear whether there are sex differences in these biological mechanisms. Objectives: To examine whether chronic inflammation biomarkers are potential mediators of the association between social isolation and cognitive functioning among older men and women. Methods: Data were the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. A total of 2535 older adults aged 60 and older were included. Chronic inflammation was measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma fibrinogen, and serum albumin. Cognitive functioning was assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Social isolation was defined using a 4-point composite index of items pertaining to the strength of social network and support. Linear regression models and formal mediation analysis were applied. Results: Social isolation was associated with lower DSST scores [β (SE) = −2.445 (1.180), p < 0.01 for men; β (SE) = −5.478 (1.167), p < 0.001 for women]. For older men, social isolation was associated with higher levels of CRP (β [SE] = 0.226 (0.110), p < 0.05) and fibrinogen (β [SE] = 0.058 (0.026), p < 0.05). In mediation analyses, among older men, CRP mediated 6.1% and fibrinogen mediated 12.0% of the association of social isolation with DSST. Conclusion: Social isolation was associated with poorer cognitive functioning partially via heightened inflammatory responses in older men. Defining these associations’ mechanisms in sex-specific contexts could inform preventive and therapeutic strategies for cognitive impairment in older adults.

Social isolation, loneliness and accelerated tooth loss among Chinese older adults: A longitudinal study

Qi, X., Pei, Y., Wang, K., Han, S., & Wu, B. (2023). Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 51(2), 201-210. 10.1111/cdoe.12727
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to numerous determinants of health and well-being. However, the effects of social isolation and loneliness on oral health remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the number of remaining teeth and the rate of tooth loss over time among Chinese older adults. Methods: We used three waves of data (2011/2012, 2014 and 2018) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with 4268 older adults aged 65 and older who were interviewed in at least two waves. The number of remaining teeth was first evaluated at baseline and then subsequently at follow-up visits. Mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and both the number of remaining teeth and the rate of tooth loss. Results: Social isolation was associated with fewer remaining teeth (β = −.06, 95% CI = −0.13 to 0.00, p <.05) and accelerated tooth loss (β = −.02, 95% CI = −0.02 to −0.01, p <.01) after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, lifestyle and oral hygiene behaviours, physical and cognitive health, and loneliness. Loneliness was neither associated with the number of remaining teeth (β =.15, 95% CI = −0.01 to 0.30, p =.06) nor with the rate of tooth loss (β = −.01, 95% CI = −0.02 to 0.00, p =.16) after adjusting for all other factors. Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence that social isolation was associated with fewer remaining teeth and accelerated tooth loss among Chinese older adults. These findings expand our knowledge about the impact of social disconnection on tooth loss. More future studies are needed to further examine the associations between social connections and oral conditions using longitudinal cohort studies and intervention studies.

Social Isolation, Sleep Disturbance, and Cognitive Functioning (HRS): A Longitudinal Mediation Study

Qi, X., Pei, Y., Malone, S. K., & Wu, B. (2023). Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 78(10), 1826-1833. 10.1093/gerona/glad004
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Social isolation is prevalent and associated with dementia, yet the directionality and mechanisms are less understood. This study examined the association between social isolation and cognitive functioning and explored the mediating role of sleep disturbance on the social isolation–cognition relationship. Methods: Data from 5 753 dementia-free Americans aged ≥50 of 2006 (T1), 2010 (T2), and 2014 (T3) waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Social isolation was measured by the Steptoe Social Isolation Index. Cognitive functioning was measured by the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status. Sleep disturbance was measured with the modified Jenkins Sleep Scale. We used cross-lagged panel models to determine the associations between social isolation, sleep disturbance, and cognitive functioning. Results: Social isolation is significantly associated with subsequent cognitive functioning (T1 to T2: β = −0.055, standard error [SE] = 0.014, p < .001; T2 to T3: β = −0.044, SE = 0.016, p < .001). Lower cognitive functioning is significantly associated with greater subsequent social isolation (T1 to T2: β = −0.101, SE = 0.020, p < .001; T2 to T3: β = −0.058, SE = .011, p < .001). Sleep disturbance at T2 partially mediated the effect of social isolation (T1) on cognitive functioning (T3), accounting for 6.2% of the total effect (β = −0.003, SE = 0.001, p < .01). Conclusions: Social isolation may deteriorate cognitive functioning and vice versa. The association between social isolation and cognition is partially explained by sleep disturbance.

Socioeconomic Status Disparities in Cognitive and Physical Functional Impairment among Older Adults: Comparison of Asians with other Major Racial/Ethnic Groups

Wang, K., Zhu, Z., & Qi, X. (2023). Journal of Urban Health, 100(4), 839-851. 10.1007/s11524-023-00768-1
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigated to what extent socioeconomic status (SES) disparity associates with cognitive and physical impairment within older Asian Americans in comparison with other races/ethnicities. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 that included 3,297 White, 1,755 Black, 1,708 Hispanic, and 730 Asian Americans aged ≥ 60. Physical functioning was measured by activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Memory and language fluency were evaluated using the Alzheimer's Disease Word List Memory Task and Animal Fluency Tests, respectively. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between SES and physical and cognitive impairment within racial/ethnic groups, and seemingly unrelated regressions compared coefficients across subgroups. Asians with ≤ high school education had the highest prevalence of age- and sex-adjusted memory impairment among all races/ethnicities, while no difference was observed for those with > high school education. ADL/IADL disability odds did not differ between Asians and Whites, but Asians were more likely to exhibit impaired verbal fluency. Education disparity for ADL disability (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 2.20–5.25) and memory impairment (OR, 11.57; 95% CI, 6.59–20.31) were largest among Asians compared to Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. Income disparity for function impairment showed no significant difference across racial/ethnic groups (all P > 0.05). Asians experienced the highest burden of physical functioning and memory impairment due to education disparity. Efforts should focus on strengthening research infrastructure and creating targeted programs and services to improve cognitive and physical health for racially/ethnically underrepresented older adults with lower education attainment.

Technology-Based Interventions to Address Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Informal Dementia Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Mao, W., Qi, X., Chi, I., Wichinsky, L., & Wu, B. (2023). Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 24(11), 1700-1707. 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.08.005
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Social isolation and loneliness are major public health concerns. Informal dementia caregivers are particularly vulnerable, as many are older adults themselves and at elevated risk of adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Technology-based interventions could offer accessible, affordable, and convenient solutions. A previous review included Internet-based supportive interventions for informal dementia caregivers published up to 2013; however, new publications, technological advances, and targeted outcomes justify conducting this scoping review. Here, we identified and synthesized recent technology-based interventions that addressed social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers. Design: Scoping review. Setting and Participants: Informal dementia caregivers in the community. Methods: Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, we conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed studies across 6 databases within the last 11 years, including identifying research questions, selecting relevant studies, charting data, and summarizing results. Results: From the 2937 articles identified, 10 eligible studies were included in this review. The intervention type, format, and duration varied widely. Three categories of interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers included technology-assisted peer support, newly developed Web-based multicomponent psychoeducational programs and platforms, and virtual adaptation and modification of existing programs. Predominantly qualitative evidence suggests that technology-based interventions have the potential to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve caregiver well-being. Quantitative evidence tends to be preliminary and inconclusive. Conclusions and Implications: The findings offer preliminary evidence for technology-based interventions to reduce or prevent social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers. Technology-based interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers have the potential to overcome barriers to low uptake of services and withdrawal from interventions and improve the sustainability of the interventions. In the long run, by reducing or preventing social isolation and loneliness in informal dementia caregivers, the transition from home care to facility-based care might be delayed.

Addressing Health Disparities Among Older Asian American Populations: Research, Data, and Policy

Wu, B., & Qi, X. (2022). Public Policy & Aging Report. 10.1093/ppar/prac015

Chinese American Caregivers’ Attitudes Toward Tube Feeding for Persons with Dementia — USA, 2021–2022

Pei, Y., Qi, X., Cong, Z., & Wu, B. (2022). China CDC Weekly, 4(47), 1051-1054. 10.46234/ccdcw2022.211
Abstract
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Little is known about Chinese American dementia caregivers’ attitudes toward tube feeding. What is added by this report? To address this knowledge gap, the paper seeks to characterize participants’ attitudes toward tube feeding based on a survey conducted among Chinese American dementia caregivers. What are the implications for public health practice? It is crucial to develop culturally tailored interventions to promote knowledge on tube feeding and advance care planning engagement in Chinese American communities.