Advisor
Dyane Medina
Course
Practice-Informed Research in Health Systems
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Date
Fall 12-1-2024
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to further explore the correlation between Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and diabetes distress (DD) among Latinx adults ages 18-75. Historically, Hispanic/Latinx adults have been disproportionately impacted by diabetes in comparison to non-Hispanic Whites. With the rise of diabetes and diabetes-related death and complications, the need for further research in this population is needed to further assess diabetes management. Previous research has shown SDOH factors such as access to food, transportation, access to healthcare, influence health outcomes and are important in understanding health disparities. DD is defined as the emotional distress or burden associated with living with and managing diabetes. This includes feelings of worry, frustration, anger, and burnout related to self-management tasks such as monitoring blood glucose levels, adhering to dietary restrictions, and managing medication. Currently, diabetes-related distress has been receiving little attention in healthcare settings and is important in incorporating interventions to better support patients' mental health and physical health outcomes. Overall, this research aims to better understand the correlation and factors influencing diabetes management as well as potential areas for intervention and support that could improve the overall health outcomes and quality of life for this population.
Methods
Using quantitative data collection the researchers in this study surveyed Latinx identifying adults, ages 18-75, with prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. Which utilized both the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) questionnaire to assess the correlations of SDOH and DD among this population. Demographics such as Latinx origin were also collected for the purpose of this study. Surveys were administered in person at two local community events based in Stockton, California. Additionally, participants were recruited through the use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. A total of 31 responses were analyzed in this study. Limitations included a small sample size due to the lack of a diverse recruitment strategy, majority female participants, lack of translators, and the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the screening tools utilized.
Findings & Conclusions
Among the demographics all but one participant reported a family history of diabetes. With 23 identifying as having type 2 diabetes, 5 with pre-diabetes, and 3 with type 1 diabetes. Demographically, the sample was predominantly female, with 8 male participants. The majority identified as Mexican (28), with smaller groups identifying as Nicaraguan (2), and Guatemalan (1). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between SDOH and DD within Latinx participants. The areas of DD were broken up by four subscales: emotional burden, regimen distress, interpersonal distress, and physician distress. Overall participants ages 30-59 in both male and female, reported the highest levels of distress, particularly associated with regimen distress and emotional burden. The researchers found that male participants within the age group of 45-67 experienced high DD. With younger adults ages 18-29 reporting relatively lower distress levels. In comparison female participants ages 40-49 endorsed high levels of DD. When looking at having access to transportation, primary care visits, and medication access, an additional significant correlation was found in relationship to DD. In addition to participants endorsing issues with transportation, it was found that it did not strongly correlate to DD. The statistical analysis found SDOH factors including; access to food, transportation, language accessibility, and participants who lacked trusting support systems to significantly correlate with higher DD. On the other hand, participants ages 30-39 experienced the most challenges affording basic needs, while older and younger age groups reported fewer issues with affordability. Furthermore, mental health needs correlated strongly with higher distress levels across emotional, regimen, interpersonal, and physician DD. Participants ages 44-59 endorsed highest emotional distress, while those receiving mental health treatment showed skewed distress levels. Although mental health treatment was reported to help some participants it did not fully reduce DD for everyone.
Recommendations
The insight gained from this study can help healthcare providers better understand and support the needs of Latinx patients with diabetes. Overall the data found participants reported significant psychological distress associated with diabetes management. Consequently, the researchers recommend integrating routine mental health screenings into diabetes care. Bringing awareness to areas such as DD and mental health in the healthcare setting is important to effective diabetes management and overall health outcomes. Additionally, understanding the social factors influencing health outcomes among this community provides valuable insight and is crucial in addressing health disparities and in developing effective interventions. Additional recommendations may include fostering partnerships with community organizations, implementing mobile health clinics, and increasing language accessibility within healthcare services for the Latinx community.
Recommended Citation
Delgado, Vanessa; Camacho, Erandy; and Tagorda-Varo, Cassandra, "Exploring the Correlation between SDOH and Diabetes Distress in Latinx Adults Ages 18-75" (2024). MSW Capstone Conference. 11.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/msw-conference/11
