Understanding Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Diabetes in Relationship to Socioeconomic Class and Race

Wednesday, 15 July 2009: 4:05 PM

Robert Anders, DrPH, APRN, CS, CNAA, FAAN1
Jorge Ibarra, MD, MPH1
Shawn G. Gibbs, PhD2
Catherine R. Camilletti, BA, MA3
1School of Nursing, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
2Department of Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
3Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX

Learning Objective 1: describe the cardiovascular disease risk factors and diabetes in residents living in a Colonia located along the US/Mexico border.

Learning Objective 2: decribe at least two policy issues related to improve the cardiovascular and diabetes care of these underserved individuals.

Purpose: The aim of this report is to describe the health status and assess the prevalence of biological markers for cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes in 136 fasting residents. 
Methods:  This is a follow up of a cross-sectional randomized population-based health survey, including bio-markers for lipids and glucose of Hispanic individuals, ≥18 years old, living in a colonia located along the U.S./Mexico border.  Instruments used included a demographic questionnaire, the SASH, CAGE, BRGSS, SF36v2, and an algorithm for assessing risk of cardiovascular disease.
Results: The prevalence of total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio (a cardiovascular risk factor predictor) was 52% and diabetes was 28.1%. 27% men and 75% of women had a waist circumference above guidelines, 48.4% had a BMI score greater than 30. The population who had less than 10 years of education, (OR 3.1 p = 0.002); and have medical insurance, (OR 2.5 p = 0.009); was more likely to have blood pressure ≥ 140 / 90 mmHg, compared to the population who had no such conditions.   Despite 67% living in poverty, and 67% reporting problems accessing primary care, participants diagnosed with a chronic disease like diabetes, (OR 2.48 p = 0.02); depression, (OR 2.35 p = 0.04); or hypertension, (OR 3.0 p < 0.001); were more likely to have a Dr’s office visit during the last 12 months.
Conclusion: This study has shown high prevalence for CVD risk factors. The average resident of the colonia reporting diabetes has many health disadvantages when compared to other parts of Texas and USA.