Predictors of Depression Among Adult Mexican Americans Diagnosed With Type II Diabetes
Abstract
The high incidence rate of type II diabetes mellitus (type II DM) among Mexican American families in the South Texas region has contributed to disproportionately high medical costs, early death, and high comorbidity with depression. Certain factors have been previously associated with depression and type II DM. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate and describe whether selected variables contribute to Mexican American risk for depression when diagnosed with type II DM. Based on the theory of planned behavior, this exploratory study investigated whether acculturation, health behavioral belief, diet, and/or physical exercise adequately predicted depression among Mexican Americans who were diagnosed with type II DM (n = 103). The data were obtained from surveys completed by participants. The construct of acculturation was measured by the Short Acculturation Scale, health behavioral belief was measured by the Diabetes Health Belief Scale, diet and physical exercise was measured by a summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, and depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory - II. An exploratory stepwise multiple regression was used to generate an initial predictive equation based on the statistical contribution of one or more of the predictor variables. The findings revealed lack of physical exercise as a significant predictor of depression among participants. The social implications of this study are that it may help improve understanding of the psychiatric challenges that accompany type II DM and provide a better understanding among Mexican Americans of the connection between physical exercise and depression when screening and treating patients with type II DM. Subsequently, patients may receive more targeted screenings and holistic care, which will contribute to better medical care treatment and management.
