Quality of Life, Acculturation, Depression, and Social Support among Normal, Pre-diabetic, and Diabetic Mexican Americans

Although the severity and burden of type 2 diabetes is higher among Mexican Americans, there is a paucity of studies examining the impact of diabetes on quality of life (QOL) in this ethnic group. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among demographic variables (age, gender), acculturation, moderating variables (depression, social support, and lifestyle behaviors), and QOL among normal, pre-diabetic, and diabetic Mexican American adults using a path model. Respondents comprised of 208 Mexican Americans recruited through faith based organizations in Texas. Mean age of the respondents was 44.5„b 13.36 years. The majority of the respondents were females (57.1%), not born in the US (79%), currently married (71.6%), and had a high school education or less (86%). Mexican Americans with diabetes and pre-diabetes were significantly older than those with normal blood sugar levels. Acculturation and lifestyle behaviors were associated with QOL and path coefficients were statistically significant. Older individuals were less acculturated than younger individuals. Healthier lifestyle was significantly associated with younger age, being a male, and higher number of years lived in the US. Further, individuals with higher social support were less depressed than those with lower support. Prevalence of diabetes was associated with older age and more number of years lived in the US. The indexes of fit for the tested model indicated a good fit; the predictors accounted for 34% of the variance in QOL among Mexican Americans. Implications of the results will be discussed.