The Influence of Acculturation and Psychosocial Factors on Glycemic Control in Mexicans and Mexican Americans with Type II Diabetes

Ross, Sarah., The Influence of Acculturation and Psychosocial Factors on Glycemic Control in Mexicans and Mexican Americans with Type II Diabetes. Master of Science (Biomedical Sciences), April, 2007, 51 pp., 5 tables, 1 figure, bibliography. Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among Mexican Americans. Tight glycemic control helps delay diabetic complications. This project aims to identify characteristics that contribute to poor glycemic control in this population. Mexican/Mexican American type 2 diabetics completed questionnaires measuring acculturation and psychosocial factors. This data was analyzed to assess the relationship of the factors and glycemic control as measured by HemoglobinA1C. Results demonstrated that subjects who felt that diabetes interfered with daily life and were dissatisfied with their physician’s answers to diabetes questions had poor glycemic control. Significant differences between acculturation groups’ responses to psychosocial measures were also found. Further studies may more accurately define the influence of acculturation on glycemic control in this population.