Cognitive Functioning and Nail Salon Occupational Exposure among Vietnamese Immigrant Women in Northern California

Thuc-Nhi Nguyen, Shuai Chen, Keith Chan, Mai Tram Nguyen and Ladson Hinton
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Thuc-Nhi Nguyen: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Shuai Chen: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Keith Chan: Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY 10035, USA
Mai Tram Nguyen: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Ladson Hinton: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-11

Abstract: Introduction: Vietnamese nail salon technicians are continuously exposed to neurotoxins linked to cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined the association of occupational exposure with cognitive function and depressive symptoms among Vietnamese nail salon technicians. Methods: The sample included 155 current or former Vietnamese female nail technicians and 145 control group participants. Measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Average cognitive functioning was significantly higher for the control compared to the nail technician group (mean difference = 1.2, p < 0.05). No differences were observed for depression. Multivariate findings revealed that exposure was negatively associated with cognitive functioning (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.05, p < 0.05). Discussion: Nail salon work and the extent of occupational exposure were associated with lower cognitive functioning among Vietnamese nail technicians. Longitudinal research can further examine the risk for cognitive decline and dementia for this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease factors; occupational hazards; exposure; cognitive functioning; Vietnamese Americans (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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