The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38261

Patricia J. Cantero, PhD¹, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, PhD², and Jean Richardson, DrPH¹. (1) Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089-9176, 858-530-1402, patriciacantero@yahoo.com, (2) Institute for Prevention Research, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont, Buiding A1, Alhambra, CA 91803

Latinos have been affected disproportionately by type 2 diabetes in the United States, and focus group data revealed that financial difficulties are a major barrier to self-care behaviors among Latinos with diabetes. However, data on self-care behaviors are limited among Latinos, particularly data on the potential association between socioeconomic (SES) factors and self-care behaviors. This study examined the effects of employment status and health insurance on four self-care behaviors: injecting insulin, glucose monitoring, and adhering to diet and exercise regimens. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey was conducted among 180 insulin-treated Latino men and women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Los Angeles County. Fifty-five percent of the sample reported having health insurance and 74% reported being unemployed. Results showed no statistically significant association between diet and exercise and any of the SES factors. However, employment status was associated with glucose monitoring and injecting insulin. Employed participants were less likely to self-monitor their blood glucose levels and to always follow their insulin prescription than participants that were unemployed. Health insurance was not associated with any of the self-care behaviors. Data suggests that employed participants might not have time to monitor their glucose levels or inject insulin adequately at work due to work-related conditions or fear of loosing their job because injecting insulin may be interpreted as a drug problem. Future research needs to assess the impact of work on self-management, particularly among the working poor and uncover potential obstacles Latinos diagnosed with type 2 diabetes face at work.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss potential reasons for the higher prevalence rate of glucose monitoring among Latinos in this study.
• List two self-care diabetes behaviors that are affected by employment status.

Keywords: Diabetes, Disease Management

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.