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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Marcia Gail Ory, PhD, MPH¹, Joseph R. Sharkey, PhD MPH RD², Nelda Mier, PhD³, John D. Prochaska, MPH⁴, Martha Conkling, MA³, and James N. Burdine, DrPH⁵. (1) Prevention Research Center, Texas A&M University System, School of Rural Public Health, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1266, 979-458-1373, mory@srph.tamhsc.edu, (2) Texas Healthy Aging Research Network (TxHAN) Center, School of Rural Public Health, MS 1266, College Station, TX 77843-1266, (3) School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System, 2101 S. McColl RD, McAllen, TX 78503, (4) Prevention Research Center, School of Rural Public Health, MS 1266, College Station, TX 77843-1266, (5) Center for Community Health Development, School of Rural Public Health, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1266

Objective: To characterize selected sociodemographic and health characteristics of primarily Hispanic Colonia residents at the Texas-Mexico border, especially factors associated with risk for and presence of diabetes in the baby boomer population.

Methods: In 2003, as part of a RWJF-funded Integrated Health Outreach System Project (IHOS), a community health survey was conducted among a random sample of adults in three clusters of colonias (unincorporated areas) in Hidalgo County. Surveys were administered by trained promotoras (community health workers) through face-to-face interviews in the participant's home. Descriptive statistics and multivariable multinomial regressions were performed.

Results: Of the 386 respondents, 34% were baby boomers (BB=39 to 57) and 16% older adults (OA=58+). The majority were female (62%), 44% reported less than 8th grade education, and 57% had an annual total household income <$1,600). This population experienced substantial health risk: 45% obese, 12% told at-risk for diabetes, and 18% reported a diabetes diagnosis. While obesity was associated with greater diabetes risk, there was still a substantial proportion (over 50%) of obese adults who didn't report being told of diabetes risk. Independent of other characteristics, BBs had an increased risk (OR 2.5) for diabetes, while OAs had greater risk for actual diabetes diagnosis (OR 7.2). Low income was associated with risk and education associated with diabetes diagnosis.

Conclusions: While access to basic medical care was generally available, it is important to identify those at highest risk—such as disadvantaged baby boomers—and to intervene with culturally appropriate programs before the onset of debilitating chronic illnesses.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe selected sociodemographic and health characteristics of Hispanic residents in a persistent poverty area.
• To learn what proportion of this population is at risk due to weight or diabetes status.
• To identify the extent to which baby boomers are at risk for or experience diabetes relative to other age groupings, and factors associated with increased risks.

Keywords: Aging, Minority Health

Awards: Betty J. Cleckley Minority Issues Research Award - Honorable Mention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation