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)

Adverse events and contributing factors in Chinese nursing homes: a multisite cross-sectional study

Wang, Z., Qi, X., Shi, Y., Shao, L., Li, W., Xie, X., Wu, B., & Zhang, J. (2025). Frontiers in Public Health, 13. 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1518552
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Adverse events in nursing homes, which are unintended incidents causing unnecessary harm to older residents. Previous studies in Chinese populations often focused on adverse events in hospitals, rather than residents in nursing homes. Additionally, they tended to focus on single incident rather than multiple types of adverse events. This study aims to assess the occurrence and contributing factors of multiple adverse events perceived by staff in Chinese nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 691 frontline staff from 11 nursing homes in Southern China (August 2021–January 2022). Data were collected using a General Information Questionnaire, the Adverse Event Reporting Awareness Scale, and the Adverse Event Reporting Habit Scale. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the contributing factors of adverse events. Results: A total of 13 types of adverse events were screened out in nursing homes, and 477 (69.0%) participants reported that the adverse events “had happened” in the past year. The most common events were falls, unplanned extubation, and pressure sores. Clinical staff were 2.06 times more likely than frontline workers to report adverse events (95% CI = 1.13–3.76). Increased awareness (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.15–1.34) and habitual reporting of adverse events (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08) were positively associated with higher reporting rates. Conclusion: A significant proportion of staff reported adverse events, with clinical staff and those with better reporting habits noting higher occurrences. To enhance resident safety, nursing homes must prioritize preventing high-risk adverse events. Targeting frontline workers with lower reporting awareness and habits is crucial for effective interventions.

Association Between Oral Hygiene Behaviours and Cognitive Decline in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhu, Z., Yang, Z., Qi, X., Mao, W., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2025). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 81(5), 2277-2289. 10.1111/jan.16525
Abstract
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the association between oral hygiene behaviour and cognitive decline in adults. The outcomes include changes in global cognitive function, visual attention, task switching and the risk of dementia. Design: We conducted a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Data Sources: A systematic search of 11 databases and grey literature sources was conducted from inception to January 2024. We included interventional trials or cohort studies that investigated the effect of oral hygiene behaviours (e.g., toothbrushing, mouth washing, flossing, using toothpicks and cleaning dentures) on cognitive decline in adults. Methods: Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers with expertise in conducting systematic reviews. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic and χ2 test. Results: A total of eight studies (six intervention studies and two cohort studies) met inclusion criteria, including 261,772 participants. Follow-up periods ranged from 30 days to 48 months for interventions and 9 to 18 years for cohorts. Toothbrushing was associated with a significantly slower decline in global cognitive overtime. Toothbrushing in older adults with moderate/severe dementia could achieve significant changes in cognitive decline. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of toothbrushing performed by professionals and caregivers. Other oral hygiene behaviours, including dental flossing, using mouthwash, using toothpicks and cleaning dentures, were not associated with the risk of dementia. Conclusions: Toothbrushing is linked to a decreased risk of dementia and improved global cognitive function. Promoting toothbrushing at least twice daily may significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Impact: These findings highlight the urgent need for programmes that encourage daily toothbrushing, particularly in nursing home settings and among older adults with moderate-to-severe dementia.

Different Sources of Social Capital and Loneliness Among Adults in Shanghai, China: Exploring Sex Differences

Qi, X., Pei, Y., Li, G., Tang, W., Hall, B. J., & Wu, B. (2025). Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 35(2). 10.1002/casp.70089
Abstract
Abstract
Loneliness is a global health concern that negatively impacts physical/mental health. Social capital, encompassing resources from social networks, may protect against loneliness. We investigated the association between different sources of social capital and feelings of loneliness and examined whether these associations differ by sex. An online survey of 3220 Shanghai residents (mean age 34.5 years, 48.5% females) was conducted in 2022, Shanghai, China. We assessed bonding and bridging social capital using the revised 8-item Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS) and used the revised three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness. Multivariable linear regression analysis results suggest that both bonding (β coefficient: −0.152; SE: 0.035) and bridging social capital (β coefficient: −0.131; SE: 0.036) were significantly associated with lower loneliness, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and COVID-19-related factors. Notably, the mitigating effect of bonding social capital on loneliness was more pronounced in females, as indicated by significant interactions between sex and bonding social capital. Our study findings indicated that social capital serves as a protective factor against loneliness for Chinese adults, with bonding social capital having a stronger effect among females. Policies and interventions strengthening bonding social capital may facilitate reduced feelings of loneliness among Chinese, especially females.

Efficacy of a culturally tailored intervention on perceived stigma among women living with HIV/AIDS in China: A randomized clinical trial

Yang, Z., Han, S., Qi, X., Wang, J., Xu, Z., Mao, W., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, B., & Hu, Y. (2025). Ethics in Science and Medicine, 374, 118072. 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118072
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite evidence supporting the efficacy of culturally tailored interventions in reducing stigma, such approaches are lacking for women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHAs) in China. We conducted this study to determine the efficacy of the culturally tailored Helping Overcome Perceived Stigma (HOPES) intervention in reducing perceived stigma among WLWHAs in China.METHODS: A single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted from 2023 to 2024 in South and Southwest China. WLWHAs from four hospitals were assigned using a WeChat-embedded randomization application to the control group (usual care) or the HOPES intervention. Data analysts remained blinded. Interventions were conducted virtually using Leave No One Behind (LNOB) platform for 3 months. The primary outcome, perceived stigma score, was assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 3 months post-intervention using 7 items from the HIV/AIDS Stigma Experience Questionnaire (HASEQ), with data analyzed through repeated measures analysis.RESULTS: Of 136 WLWHAs screened, we randomized 101 WLWHAs (50 HOPES; 51 controls). The HOPES group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in perceived stigma scores immediately after the intervention (-3.86 points, 95 % CI: 5.34 to -2.38, P < .001) and at three months post-intervention (-5.83 points, 95 % CI: 7.20 to -4.47, P < .001) compared to the control group.CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate HOPES' efficacy in reducing perceived stigma in WLWHA. However, the clinical significance of these changes needs further investigation. Future research should focus on defining meaningful patient-reported thresholds, assessing long-term impact, and optimizing delivery methods.

Psychological distress in Asian American informal caregivers: an analysis by disaggregated ethnic groups

Qi, X., Wang, K., Pei, Y., Ðoàn, L. N., Yi, S. S., & Wu, B. (2025). Ethnicity and Health, 30(2), 232-253. 10.1080/13557858.2024.2430287
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Despite Asians being the fastest-growing ethnic group in the US, most studies have focused on Asian Americans as an aggregate racial/ethnic group. The burden of mental health problems is increasing among caregivers due to population aging, yet little is known about the distress experienced by Asian caregivers when examined by disaggregated ethnic groups. Methods: Using 2019–2020 California Health Interview Survey data, we examined disparities in psychological well-beings between non-Hispanic White and Asian American adult caregivers, with an emphasis on understudied Asian ethnic groups. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler 6 scale, with scores ≥6 indicating mental distress and ≥13 indicating serious mental illness. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographics, physical health, caregiving relationship, intensity of care, and care recipients’ characteristics. Results: The study included 8,722 caregivers (mean age, 58.7 years; 61.3% women; 14.1% Asian [379 Chinese, 260 Filipino, 167 Japanese, 138 South Asian, 105 Korean, 101 Vietnamese, 78 other Asian], 85.9% White). Overall, 26.8% had mental distress, and 8.5% had serious mental illness. Compared to White caregivers, Korean American caregivers had higher odds of mental distress (Odds Ratio [OR], 2.37; 95% CI, 1.47–3.82) and serious mental illness (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.17–3.92), while Chinese (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.95) and Japanese (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.99) American caregivers had lower odds of mental distress. Korean American caregivers had the highest prevalence of mental distress (43.1%) and serious mental illness (15.3%), compared with White and other Asian American caregivers. Conclusion: Disaggregating data reveals significant mental health disparities among ethnic subgroups of Asian American caregivers. Tailored resources should address the distinct needs of ethnic subgroups of Asian American caregivers, considering language barriers, acculturation, and cultural norms that may exacerbate psychological distress.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the burden of non-obese type 2 diabetes using different anthropometric measurements

Sui, J., Wu, B., Zheng, Y., Mo, Z., Dong, Q., Ðoàn, L. N., Yi, S. S., & Qi, X. (2025). Obesity Medicine, 53. 10.1016/j.obmed.2024.100573
Abstract
Abstract
AIMS: Compare racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of non-obese type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the proportion of non-obese individuals among T2D patients.METHODS: This cross-sectional study used ICD-9/10 codes to ascertain T2D. Participants were classified as non-obese by BMI (<25 kg/m2 for normal weight; <23 kg/m2 for Asian Americans), waist circumference (<102 cm for males, <88 cm for females), and waist-to-hip ratio (<0.9 for males, <0.85 for females). The statistical analysis used marginal standardization of predicted probabilities from multivariable logistic regression to calculate the prevalence.KEY RESULTS: Among 276,736 participants (mean age 51.7, 61.2% female), non-obese T2D prevalence varied: 6.85% (BMI), 4.17% (waist circumference), 3.63% (waist-to-hip ratio). Asian participants had the highest prevalence of normal-weight T2D (2.70% vs. 1.92% in White, OR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22-1.69) and non-obese T2D by waist circumference (8.04% vs. 3.36%, OR 2.61, 95% CI: 2.35-2.89). Black participants had the highest prevalence using waist-to-hip ratio (5.37% vs. 2.91%, OR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.80-2.03).CONCLUSION: Asian Americans showed higher non-obese T2D prevalence by BMI and waist circumference, while Black adults had higher prevalence by waist-to-hip ratio, suggesting different fat distribution patterns.

Reflections on The Lancet's Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care

Qi, X., Luo, H., & Wu, B. (2025, February 22). In The Lancet (Vols. 405, Issues 10479, p. 625). 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00149-7

Relationships between financial toxicity and symptom burden among cancer patients: a longitudinal study

Kuang, Y., Qi, X., Qiu, J., Liu, Y., Guo, S., Chen, T., Tang, L., So, W. K., & Xing, W. (2025). The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 55.

Social context matters: Neighborhood environment as a moderator of the longitudinal relationship between edentulism and cognitive function among older adults in the United States

Liu, R., Qi, X., Mao, W., Luo, H., Xu, Z., & Wu, B. (2025). Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 133. 10.1016/j.archger.2025.105806
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Previous research has shown poor oral health and neighborhood environment are both risk factors for cognitive decline among older adults. Little research has assessed the synergistic effects of poor oral health and neighborhood environment on cognitive health. This study examined whether neighborhood environment moderates the relationship between edentulism and cognitive function over time. Methods: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we analyzed 9,994 adults aged 60 and older with 39,976 person-wave observations over 14 years (2006–2020). Cognitive function was measured using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Edentulism status was self-reported complete tooth loss. Neighborhood environment included perceived neighborhood cohesion and disorder. We used linear mixed-effect models to examine the moderation effect of neighborhood environment on the association between edentulism and cognitive function over time. Results: Edentulous participants (22.4 %) showed an accelerated decline over time in cognitive function compared to dentate participants (β = -0.57, 95 % CI: -0.98, -0.16). The analysis revealed that neighborhood cohesion moderated the relationship between edentulism and cognitive function over time (β = 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.15). Specifically, among individuals reporting higher neighborhood cohesion, the negative effect of edentulism on cognitive decline was attenuated. Neighborhood disorder had no significant associations with cognitive function. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the relationship between edentulism and cognitive function varies by levels of neighborhood cohesion. The findings highlight the significance of neighborhood context in understanding the relationship between oral health and cognitive aging and suggest interventions addressing community environment may be particularly relevant for older adults with oral health challenges.

Surge of mental health issues of Chinese Americans under both popular and policy-driven racism

Qi, X. (2025, January 1). In The Lancet Regional Health - Americas (Vols. 41). 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100941