This article briefly describes depression in the Hispanic community; the relationship between diabetes, depression, and culture; and how advocacy can play a role in addressing this problem.
Nearly 12% of all Hispanics have diabetes, compared to 7.l% of non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is not homogeneous within subgroups of the Hispanic population, but instead ranges from as low as 7.6% for Cubans to as high as 13.3 and 13.8% for Puerto Rican and Mexican Americans, respectively. Disparities in some diabetes-related complications are also higher among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites.
Limited data exist about the prevalence of comorbid depression among Hispanics. Current research shows that Hispanics with diabetes are less likely to be diagnosed with comorbid depression, despite prevalence rates equal to or higher than rates among non-Hispanic whites, and they are half as likely to receive treatment.
Population of focus: Latinos
Link to resource: Full-text of article — Diabetes and Depression in the Hispanic/Latino Community (pdf)
Date: 2013
Journal: Diabetes Advocacy