Did you know that Hispanics are almost twice as likely to have diabetes? Diabetes is the 5th leading killer of Latinos in the U.S, they are 60% more likely to die from diabetes than Non-Hispanic whites. Unhealthy foods, too little exercise and obesity all increase the risk for developing diabetes.
A recent study by Hu, Wallace and Tesh looked into Quality of Life measures in the Hispanic community. It was a small group of 59 Hispanic Adults from the Southeastern U.S. Quality of Life (QOL) is an indicator of health; it refers to happiness, a feeling of well-being and life satisfaction. Having a good quality of life is as important as being in good physical health. Race and language affect health outcomes. More Hispanics (31.1%) report fair or poor health than non-Hispanic Whites (12.9%), and more Spanish-speaking Hispanics report poor or fair health status (39%) than English-speaking Hispanics (17%).
Hispanics have higher prevalence of diabetes as well as diabetes complications which can often lead to low QOL. Persons with diabetes are more likely to not meet minimum exercise requirements and nutrition requirements. Not meeting these requirements is linked to lower QOL and decline in health functioning.
Hispanics exercise less than other ethnic groups in the U.S. Exercise helps with diabetes management but also with improved QOL. Some benefits of exercise in regards to QOL are improved mobility, less pain and improved mental health. Physical limitations can negatively impact QOL so it’s important to maintain high levels of mobility and physical independence. Following nutrition recommendations was also linked to higher QOL. Following nutrition recommendations can reduce diabetes complications which can impact the individual’s physical wellbeing and emotional health. Although feeling restricted in what can or cannot be eaten also reduces QOL.
The participants in the study mostly had low levels of QOL but most did not meet exercise recommendations and nutrition recommendations. Good physical function, good mental health, overall sense of well-being and social expectations influence an individual’s QOL. It’s important to have programs that focus on the patient and take into account their personal needs and preferences. For example, food and nutrition changes need to be fit the Hispanic culture and physical activity should include families. This can help improve health outcomes and QOL.
Reference
Hu, J., Wallace, D., & Tesh, A. (2010). Physical activity, obesity, nutritional health and quality of life in low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes. Journal Of Community Health Nursing, 27(2), 70-83. doi:10.1080/07370011003704933
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I really appreciate your strategies for helping Hispanics engage in physical activity as well as sound nutrition; families are a large part of the Hispanic community and engaging the entire family would be more effective. Your link at the end of your PSA is also a great way to grab the reader's attention and provide an easy link to more education on prevention/treatment strategies. You also did a good job on making the material easy to comprehend while not diminishing the information.
ReplyDeleteAlex,as I am interested in your quality of life measures for Hispanics. A recent study I read discussed how health literacy was correlated to happinesss (Angner, Miller, Ray, Saag & Allison, 2010). One can easily see that if a person is able to understand health information and take care of their health, it will lead to a better quality of life and therefore increased happiness. When populations of Hispanics who are not health literate in English are unable to take care of themselves, it is time for health educators to evaluate the means through which these messages are communicated, both from a language barrier perspective and a health literacy perspective.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(2011), diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness in adults in the United States. It is also reported that individuals with diabetes are 2x more likely to have depression than those without diabetes, and in 2007, it is estimated that $174 billion was spent on direct and indirect medical costs secondary to the care of individuals with diabetes. The risk of being diagnosed with diabetes is estimated to be 66% higher for Hispanics, 77% higher for African Americans and 18% higher for Asian Americans than for non-Hispanic whites (CDC, 2011). With an estimated 25.8 million people affected by diabetes in the United States, it is imperative that funds and further research be invested in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011).National diabetes fact sheet, 2011. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf
The study reported interesting facts that examined Hispanics with diabetes and their quality of life indicators. This PSA emphasized the importance of nutrition and exercise when treating diabetes. According to the study demographics the patients were low income, earning less than $10,000 a year, the majority were from Mexico, and the majority had less than 12 years of formal education. The challenge for health educators is to provide information the patient will understand that is also culturally specific. Hispanics from Mexico have different dietary customs and their low income often limits the addition of fresh fruit and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Alex, this is certainly a difficult population in which to affect a meaningful change. This study included a lot of information that you edited in a concise manner. I thought your leading sentence was a good attention grabber