Psychosocial aspects of type 1 diabetes in Latino- and Asian-American youth

Pediatr Res. 2016 Sep;80(3):347-55. doi: 10.1038/pr.2016.87. Epub 2016 Apr 13.

Abstract

Latino and Asian-Americans represent the fastest growing immigrant populations in the United States. We aimed to review the current knowledge on the psychosocial factors that influence type 1 diabetes (T1D) care, education, and outcomes in Latino and Asian-American youth immigrants in the United States, as well as culturally sensitive programs to address health disparities. We conducted a narrative, conceptual review of studies on T1D in Latino and Asian-American youth and relevant studies in type 2 diabetes and adults. Approximately 50% of both Latino and Asian-American youth with T1D are in suboptimal glycemic control. Socioeconomic status, literacy, English proficiency, acculturation, access to health care, family functioning, mental health, and nutrition influence T1D care and outcomes. However, the degree to which these complex, inter-related and dynamic factors affect long-term T1D outcomes is largely unknown. Culturally sensitive programs for Latino or Asian-American youth with T1D are scarce in the United States. Research is needed among Latino and Asian-American youth with T1D so that comprehensive, culturally sensitive diabetes education, and care programs can be developed to decrease disparities in the health burden of these groups.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Asian
  • Child
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / ethnology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / psychology*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Female
  • Health Literacy
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / ethnology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Obesity / ethnology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Poverty
  • Social Class
  • United States