Psychological Factors and Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes in a United States-Mexico Border Community

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Ethnicity Disease

Volume

35

Issue

1

DOI

10.18865/EthnDis-2024-3

First Page

17

Last Page

26

Abstract

Background: Domestic and international migrants along the United States-Mexico border are at increased risk for diabetes due to structural and psychosocial adversities. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in a low-income United States-Mexico border community; examined the relationships between depression, anxiety, andadverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and diabetes prevalence and glucose regulation; and explored indirect effects of social support on these relationships. Results. Participants were 220 adults ages 19-83 years (M.47.2, SD.11.9) of majority Mexican nationality (89.1%). Over 70% reported history of migration to the United States; 56.8% reported deportation from the United States to Mexico. Prevalences of clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms were 36.9% and 33.3%, respectively. Prevalences of diabetes and prediabetes were 17.3% and 29.1%, respectively. Psychological variables were not associated with diabetes or glucose regulation. Indirect effects were found from depression and ACEs through social support to hemoglobin A1c. Conclusions: Results suggest the need for diabetes prevention interventions with an integrated biopsychosocial approach.

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Deportation, Depression, Diabetes, Mental Health, Mexico, Migrant Health

Department

Psychology

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