Relationships between mental health and chronic disease: Findings from a 5 community study of rural Hispanic immigrants

The majority of existing research on the bi-directional relationship between mental health and chronic disease has been concentrated on the majority white population belonging to a relatively higher social status compared to African Americans or Hispanics. Little research exists on studying this relationship among rural immigrant Hispanic populations, with regard to trends by age or acculturation status. Data for this study come from a community mobilization project, funded by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) which involved the formation of 5 partnerships to conduct a series of community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) projects. The overall aim was to explore the relationships of acculturation and certain mental health conditions (e.g. stress, depression, health-related quality of life) with chronic diseases among a diverse group of rural Hispanic immigrant populations aged 18 to 78 in Illinois. Using the CBPAR approach each community engaged in an assessment phase involving collection of data regarding the relationships between acculturation, mental health and chronic disease, developed small scale mobilization projects to address identified needs for health education/health promotion strategies in these areas, conducted evaluations of these efforts and created materials and programs for dissemination that can be used in other similarly situated communities. Findings suggest that compared to their younger counterparts, older immigrant Hispanics were less likely to express accurate information about chronic disease, symptoms and risk factors but were more likely to express interests in prevention. The participant's recommendations for intervention strategies are useful to those who want to address rural Hispanic chronic diseases.