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Comparative Study
. 2010 May;7(3):A53.
Epub 2010 Apr 15.

Socioeconomic status and prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a Mexican American community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007

Susan P Fisher-Hoch  1 , Anne R Rentfro, Jennifer J Salinas, Adriana Pérez, H Shelton Brown, Belinda M Reininger, Blanca I Restrepo, J Gaines Wilson, M Monir Hossain, Mohammad H Rahbar, Craig M Hanis, Joseph B McCormick
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Socioeconomic status and prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a Mexican American community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004-2007

Susan P Fisher-Hoch et al. Prev Chronic Dis. 2010 May.

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 > or = 30 kg/m(2)) 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.

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Figures

The map shows the location of each household included in the analysis. In general, people in the lowest quartile are in the north and east, while people in the third quartile are closest to the river in the south. These are shown in relation to 3 border crossings, several main roads, and the Rio Grande River.
Figure1.
Map of Brownsville, Texas, derived using geographic information systems and showing the distribution of the cohort across the city, Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, 2004-2007. People in the first quartile had annual household incomes of $17,830 or less, and people in the third quartile had annual household incomes of $24,067-$31,747. The inset box shows detail of 1 of the blocks randomly sampled.
Three line graphs
Figure 2.
Percentage of participants with diabetes, by age and by socioeconomic status, Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, 2004-2007. People in the first quartile had annual household incomes of $17,830 or less, and people in the third quartile had annual household incomes of $24,067-$31,747. Among people aged 55 to 64 years, the difference between people in the lower socioeconomic stratum compared with those in the higher stratum was significant at P < .05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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