Psychosocial Factors and Development of T2DM in Mexican Immigrant and Mexican American Women in the US

Research gaps exist in relation to psychosocial/environmental factors that may be influential in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Mexican Immigrant (MI) and Mexican American (MA) women living in the US. The aim of this study is to examine associations of psychosocial factors such as depressive symptoms, stress coping strategies, levels of acculturation, levels of perceived social support, and glucose tolerance among a convenience sample of Mexican descent women. Additionally, diet and levels of physical activity were examined as they are known risk factors of T2DM. Demographics of this group included 112 women, most Mexican-born with a mean age of 39 years, and most having lived in the US for 20 years. Results indicated no significant associations between depressive symptoms, stress coping strategies, diet, and levels of physical activity with glucose tolerance. Significant associations were found between psychosocial factors and known risk factors. Factors found to correlate significantly with diet and levels of physical activity included stress coping strategies and perceived levels of social support. Additionally, significant correlations were found within the psychosocial factors assessed. This study contributed important details in depressive symptomatology experienced in a sample of women of Mexican descent living in the US. It also provided gaps in knowledge of coping mechanisms and levels of perceived social support used by this group of women. Implications for future research on the significance of psychosocial factors that may influence T2DM development among MA and MI women is needed.