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Self-reported diabetes in Mexican Americans: HHANES 1982-84
E J Perez-Stable1, M M McMillen, M I Harris
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0320.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Mexican Americans have a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to the general US population. This study highlights the increased risk in older individuals and an inverse relationship between education and diabetes in women.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health concern globally.
- Mexican Americans represent a large and growing demographic in the United States.
- Understanding disease prevalence within specific ethnic groups is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported diabetes among Mexican Americans.
- To compare diabetes prevalence in Mexican Americans to the general US population.
- To examine demographic factors associated with diabetes in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES).
- Included 3,928 Mexican American participants aged 20-74 years.
- Age-adjusted prevalence rates were calculated and compared with national survey data.
Main Results:
- The age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 6.8% in men and 7.6% in women.
- These rates are substantially higher than the comparable US population rates (2.9% for men, 3.8% for women).
- Diabetes prevalence increased with age and was inversely associated with education among women.
Conclusions:
- Mexican Americans exhibit a higher burden of diabetes compared to the general US population.
- Older age is a significant risk factor for diabetes in this demographic.
- Lower educational attainment in women is associated with a higher risk of diabetes, suggesting socioeconomic factors play a role.