The Prevalence and Correlates of Mental and Emotional Health Among American Indian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walls, Melissa L.; Aronson, Benjamin D.; Soper, Garrett V.; Johnson-Jennings, Michelle D.
• Is Part Of: Diabetes educator. Volume 40:Number 3(2014:May/Jun.)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 328
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 616.462005
• DOI: 10.1177/0145721714524282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-7217

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental and emotional health factors among a sample of American Indian (Indigenous) adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Data are from a community-based participatory research project involving 2 Indigenous reservation communities. Data were collected from 218 Indigenous adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes via in-person paper-and-pencil survey interviews. Results: Reports of greater numbers of mental/emotional health problems were associated with increases in self-reported hyperglycemia, comorbid health problems, and health-impaired physical activities. Conclusions: This study addresses a gap in the literature by demonstrating the associations between various mental/emotional health factors and diabetes-related health problems for Indigenous Americans. Findings underscore the importance of holistic, integrated primary care models for more effective diabetes care.