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

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.