Abstract
Diabetes is one of the most common health disparities in the United States today and disproportionately affects older Latino populations. Increased recognition of the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and mental health has led to more awareness and treatments for diabetes and depression. Despite high prevalence rates, diabetes and depression are commonly undiagnosed and untreated in older Latinos. Existing literature reports that factors including genetic and behavioral factors, low socioeconomic status (SES), limited healthcare access, and language barriers may prevent this population from seeking professional treatment. Prior research also suggests that culturally based stigma toward these conditions can negatively impact health perceptions and help-seeking behaviors. Culturally tailored education strategies have demonstrated improved health outcomes for older Latinos, and this project presents important implications for social work practice and research working with Latino older adults.
Recommended Citation
Aguirre, Alejandra M.
(2023)
"The Impact of Culture on Health Perceptions and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Older Latinos with Co-occurring Diabetes and Depression: A Literature Review,"
McNair Research Journal SJSU: Vol. 19
, Article 4.
https://doi.org/10.31979/mrj.2023.1904
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/mcnair/vol19/iss1/4