Latent Structures of Social Determinants of Health in Later Life: A Comparison of U.S.-Born and Immigrants

Objectives This study examined whether the latent structure of social determinants of health (SDOH) differs by nativity and how they relate to health outcomes in later life. Methods Using 2016–2018 HRS data, exploratory factor analyses by nativity were conducted, followed by nativity-stratified regressions linking SDOH factors to health outcomes. Results Four comparable factors emerged in both groups: neighborhood environment, interpersonal stressors, socioeconomic resources, and family support. Loading patterns showed modest nativity differences: among immigrants, social isolation aligned more strongly with family support than socioeconomic resources and perceived discrimination loaded weakly on interpersonal stressors. Interpersonal stressors were associated with poorer mental and cognitive health in both groups; socioeconomic resources were associated with better health outcomes but more weakly among immigrants. Associations of neighborhood environment and family support with health varied by nativity. Discussion Findings indicate substantial commonality in SDOH structures alongside suggestive nativity-related differences, warranting replication in larger immigrant samples.