229268 Relationships between mental health and chronic disease: Findings from a 5 community study of rural Hispanic immigrants

Monday, November 8, 2010

Karen E. Peters, DrPH , School of Public Health, IHRP, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Marcela Garces, MD, MSPH , National Center for Rural Health Professions, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL
Sergio Cristancho, PhD , National Center for Rural Health Professions and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL
Adriana Bautista, MD , IHRP, IL Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Emilio Araujo , IHRP, IL Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Lora Oswald, BA , IHRP, IL Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Maria Silva, DDS , Illinois Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Alejandra Valencia, DDS, MPH , IHRP, Illinois Prevention Research Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe differences and similarities in understandings of mental health and chronic disease among younger and older Hispanic immigrants

Keywords: Hispanic, Immigrants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am responsible for the conduct of this research
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.