Kenzie Latham-Mintus
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kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
Kenzie Latham-Mintus
@kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
920 followers 1.6K following 51 posts
Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indy). Associate Editor at #JGSS. Research interests include health, aging, and disability.

#sociology #medsoc #gerontology
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kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
I'm always incredibly grateful when colleagues provide alternative suggestions for reviewers when they decline, but I cannot help but to think about this meme.
Three Spider-Mans pointing at one another.
September 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
As if doing peer-reviews isn't already time consuming, now, I need to be a mind reader.

Any guesses whether "5" or "1" indicates high importance?
Importance of this article to its subfield of study 5 1 2 3 4
July 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
We did an activity in my #Sociology of Aging & the Life Course class, where students had to use social media to analyze generational identities among cohorts. It was a fun activity, and the #GenX responses were just too good not to share.

"Raised on hose water and neglect" belongs on a t-shirt
Picture of white board with following text: Gen X "raised on hose water and neglect" no participation trophies uniquely tough because of 'tough love" in childhood cool, sarcastic, no need for protections (seatbelts, helmets, etc.)
April 23, 2025 at 10:10 AM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
Hot off the press!
Using data from the Health & Retirement study, we find that older adults with incarceration histories experience more social vulnerability (e.g., smaller social networks/more social isolation, less community integration, and more loneliness).

doi.org/10.1093/gero...
Background and Objective This study examines how past incarceration affects social relationships in older adults to explore the relationship between past incarceration and the quality and quantity of social relationships among older adults. Research Design and Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 13,023 Americans aged 50 and older from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants self-reported their history of incarceration. Multivariable logistic regression determined the odds of lacking close ties, low social integration, and high loneliness, while linear regression evaluated the relationship between incarceration history and the number of close ties, controlling for demographic factors. Results Among 13,768 respondents, 992 (7.2%) reported a history of incarceration. They were more likely to be unmarried or unpartnered (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), rate spousal closeness lower (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.70), and have no close relationships with children (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.69), family (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54), or friends (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44). They also had higher odds of low participation (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI 1:18, 1.71), low cohesion (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.13, 1.60), and high loneliness (aOR: 1.67, 95% 1.43, 1.94). Linear regression revealed a similar pattern of social vulnerability across all social measures. Discussion and Implications Older adults with a history of incarceration are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. Targeted interventions could improve their social integration and well-being.
April 15, 2025 at 8:57 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
Self-promotion feels odd with so much chaos in the world, but I worked with two terrific students who deserve recognition.

We find that educational polygenic scores are predictive of physical limitations among older adults with European ancestry, but not among those with African ancestry.
Examining Differences in the Predictive Capacity of Educational Polygenic Scores on Physical Limitations Among Older Adults With European or African Ancestry Kenzie Latham-Mintus, PhD, FGSA¹, Micah Azariah Williams, BS, MS², and Wade Catt, BA, MS² Abstract This research examined whether educational polygenic scores were associated with physical limitations among older adults with European or African ancestry. In the European ancestry sample, we found that education polygenic scores were significantly associated with physical limitations, net of age, sex, and current socioeconomic status. In the African ancestry sample, education polygenic scores were not associated with physical limitations in any of the models. Observed educational attainment was a robust predictor of physical limitations in both samples. This research demonstrates the inequalities in the predictive capacity of educational polygenic scores for physical health. We hypothesize that this disparity is a result of structural barriers to educational attainment by race, selection bias, and/or racial inequities in data collection. All of these explanations stem from structural racism and highlight the limited usefulness of polygenic scores for clinical decision-making.
February 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
I know there is a lot happening in the world right now, but for those of you planning to attend #ASA2025, please consider your submitting your work to our @asadisability.bsky.social sessions. We need to highlight our work & find community now more than ever. Deadline 02/26.
#Sociology #Disability
Section on Disability in Society People with Disabilities as a Population with Health Disparities (Co-sponsored by Section on Medical Sociology) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities. This designation is a result of disability advocacy efforts and a step toward recognizing disabled individuals as a minority group with unique health and healthcare concerns. The purpose of this co-sponsored session is to highlight innovative, sociological work that examines health disparities among disabled persons. (Session Organizer) Kenzie Mintus, Indiana University Indianapolis The Future of Work for Disabled Workers In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans are seeking out remote work options. Remote work (or work from home) opportunities are particularly beneficial for disabled workers. However, increasingly large companies are rolling back remote work options. As companies shift their work from home policies, demand for remote work may increase—creating competition from nondisabled workers who benefit from flexible work policies as well. The purpose of this session is to understand how current work policies will shape the future of work for disabled workers. (Session Organizer) Kenzie Mintus, Indiana University Indianapolis Section on Disability in Society Roundtables This roundtable session will explore various topics related to the sociology of disability. (Session Organizer) Kenzie Mintus, Indiana University Indianapolis
February 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
In case anyone wants a masterclass in subheadings, look no further than Krieger's 2010 publication on asthma & housing

SH1: Single-trigger interventions generally ineffective
SH2: Single-component interventions also not very effective
SH3: Multi-trigger, multi-component approaches more effective
Single-trigger interventions generally ineffective Initial approaches for reducing trigger exposure focused on individual triggers. They generally have had minimal to no success. For example, interventions that target dust mites alone have had limited impact, even those employing multiple modalities.42 Two well-designed, large, randomized studies of bedding encasements did not find improvements in clinical measures.43,44 Acaricides used as a single intervention do not appear to be effective.42 Another example is control of cockroach exposure. While effective strategies to reduce exposure to cockroaches are available (especially integrated pest management), evidence of impact on asthma morbidity is currently lacking.45–47 Single-component interventions also not very effective Similarly, the evidence for the effectiveness of single interventions on clinical outcomes is weak. While vacuuming and/or steam cleaning may reduce exposure to mites and pet allergens, most studies have not assessed or demonstrated clinical improvements.48,49 High efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) air filters may reduce exposure to pet allergens, but clinical impact is uncertain.50–52 Multi-trigger, multi-component approaches more effective
November 19, 2024 at 7:32 PM
kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
I wanted to post something & start contributing to this new space. I figured I'd share the small group activity we did in my #MedSoc class today. We spent time going over social science research & writing in preparation for their final projects. This activity focused on when and why we cite.
PowerPoint slide with text. Title: Small Group Activity: When and Why to CITE Body: Directions: In small groups (or individually), read the following paragraph about childhood asthma in the United States. As a group, decide which sentences need a citation and discuss why. We’ll discuss as a group (1) Childhood asthma has been deemed an epidemic by medical professionals in the United States. (2) In the United States, asthma rates among children nearly doubled between 1980 and 1995. (3) Asthma is one of the top causes of hospitalizations among children under age 15 years. (4) Black children are more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than their White peers. (5) Childhood asthma is associated with worse health and lowered socioeconomic status in adulthood. (6) Social determinants of health such as environmental factors and socioeconomic status are thought to contribute to the differences in childhood asthma rates among Black and white children. (7) This paper will examine the major soci
October 19, 2023 at 7:08 PM