Socioeconomic Status and Prevalence of Obesity and Diabetes in a Mexican American Community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007

Authors

Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, University of Texas Health at Houston
Anne R. Rentfro, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Jennifer Salinas
Adriana Perez
H. Shelton Brown
Belinda M. Reininger, University of Texas Health at Houston
Blanca I. Restrepo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Gaines Wilson
Monir Hossain, University of Texas Health at Houston
Mohammad H. Rahbar
Craig Hanis, University of Texas Health at Houston
Joseph B. Mccormick, University of Texas Health at Houston

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2010

Abstract

Introduction Mexican Americans are at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. We established a cohort on the United States-Mexico border to determine the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in this Mexican American population and to see whether minor economic advantages had any effect on health.

Methods We randomly selected and extensively documented 810 people aged 35 to 64 years. Weighted data were analyzed to establish prevalence of obesity and diabetes and other markers of poor health such as elevated glycated hemoglobin levels.

Results Rates of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) were 57% in the first (lower) of 4 socioeconomic strata by income and were 55.5% in the third (higher). People in the higher socioeconomic stratum were significantly less likely to have undiagnosed diabetes (2% vs 9%). Among people aged 55 to 64 years, rates of diabetes were significantly higher among those in the lower socioeconomic stratum than among those in the higher stratum. Rates of undiagnosed diabetes had similar differences. Approximately three-fourths of the respondents reported having no health insurance, and we found no difference between people in different socioeconomic strata.

Conclusion Rates of obesity and diabetes in this border community are among the highest in the United States. Belonging to the lower socioeconomic stratum significantly increased the likelihood of having undiagnosed diabetes and, in patients too young to be eligible for Medicare, the overall risk of developing diabetes. Modest improvement in income has a beneficial effect on health in this racial/ethnic minority community.

Recommended Citation

Fisher-Hoch, S. P., Rentfro, A. R., Salinas, J. J., Pérez, A., Brown, H. S., Reininger, B. M., Restrepo, B. I., Wilson, J. G., Hossain, M. M., Rahbar, M. H., Hanis, C. M., & McCormick, J. B. (2010). Socioeconomic status and prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a Mexican American community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007. Preventing chronic disease, 7(3), A53.

Publication Title

Preventing chronic disease