Analysis of behavioral risk factor surveillance system data to assess the health of Hispanic Americans with diabetes in El Paso County, Texas.
The purpose of this study is to determine and describe the health of Hispanic Americans who live in El Paso County, Texas, along the US-Mexico border, particularly the multidimensional self-management practices of those with diabetes. This study also assesses Hispanic Americans with diabetes consistent with Healthy People 2010 diabetes goals and objectives.



Data from the 2002 Paso del Norte Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System are used for analysis of behavioral health risk factors associated with diabetes among Hispanic Americans in El Paso County, Texas. One- and two-way frequency tables with logistic regression and tests for comparison of means are used for data analysis.



The greatest numbers of Hispanic American residents are younger, with those diagnosed with diabetes aged 45 years and older and with lower level of education, lowest income level, and unable to work. The odds of having diabetes are 4 times greater with increasing age and 6 times greater with lower income level. The type of medical treatment is consistent with the frequency of various diabetes self-management behaviors to optimize health. Hispanic Americans are within the goal for several Healthy People 2010 targets for diabetes.



Hispanic Americans along the US-Mexico border remain at risk for development of diabetes, although several self-management behavioral activities are recognized as important for prevention of diabetes to optimize quality of life.
Martinez
Nelda C
NC
The School of Nursing, University of Texas at El Paso (Dr Martinez)
Bader
Julia
J
The Statistical Consulting Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso (Dr Bader)
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013689:Telephone; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology