Diabetes, depression, and metabolic control in Latinas

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2007 Jul;13(3):225-31. doi: 10.1037/1099-9809.13.3.225.

Abstract

Diabetes is steadily becoming an epidemic among Latinos, and depression has been found to complicate diabetes management. This study examined depressive symptoms and metabolic control in Latinas with diabetes in a community clinic setting. The association of depressive symptoms with metabolic control was supported in this study. Social support (but not acculturation) was found to be associated with depressive symptoms. Finally, age and metabolic control were related. These findings are explained in a culture-specific framework. The authors speculate that the role of the woman in Latino families makes it difficult for a Latina to attend to her own care needs until she ages.

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / ethnology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / ethnology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires