CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

Carrie E Baines

    For my focus on obesity within youth aged 2-19, I discovered that in Tennessee hispanics have the highest rates of obesity at 25.8% in 2019 (Youth Obesity, n.d.). While researching, I discovered that Hispanics have high genetic disposition for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and vascular complications (Caballero, 2005). These are affecting adults and children.  

     Early screening and diagnosis is key in preventing complications related to Type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. Within the Hispanic communities there can be decreased access to healthcare, language barriers, and long-term complications. Providing information to the community about healthcare is essential. They need to have screenings done. In my community, language barrier may be an issue. I do know the health department and several physician offices have someone fluent in Spanish that can educate and assist as needed. There is a higher rate of kidney failure caused by diabetes in Hispanic or Latino people  (CDC, 2022). In some Hispanic or Latino cultures, they may tend to put their needs at the end of everyone else (CDC, 2022). This causes an issue when it comes to self-care for that individual. They are also known for having a strong family bond. This might help benefit if there is one seeking change in diet and lifestyle choices. They may tend to do this as a group. The CDC website had a lot of great resources for diabetes within the Hispanic and Latino community. They provide information in English as well as Spanish. This is a good resource to keep in mind when needing education pamphlets for someone. Setting a weight loss goal will be valuable in reducing the risk of Diabetes. Since they are very family driven, they should set out a time each day for a walk or some sort of exercise. The CDC also has a lifestyle change program on its website an individual can follow. I think keeping this a family goal will benefit and be successful within this community.  

 

 

References: 

Caballero AE. Diabetes in the Hispanic or Latino population: genes, environment, culture, and more. Curr Diab Rep. 2005 Jun;5(3):217-25. doi: 10.1007/s11892-005-0012-5. PMID: 15929869.

 

CDC. (2022, April 4).  Hispanic/Latino Americans and Type 2 Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/hispanic-diabetes.html#:~:text=Diabetes%20Affects%20Hispanic%20or%20LatinoLinks to an external site.

 

Youth Obesity. (n.d.).  Www.tn.govLinks to an external site. .  https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/tennessee-vital-signs/redirect-tennessee-vital-signs/vital-signs-actions/youth-obesity.htmlLinks to an external site.  

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Vencio S, Manosalva JP, Mathieu C, Proot P, Lozno HY, Paldánius PM. Exploring early combination strategy in Latin American patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a sub-analysis of the VERIFY study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2021 Jun 15;13(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s13098-021-00686-9. PMID: 34130731; PMCID: PMC8207702.