The intersection of mental and physical health in older Mexican Americans

The incidence of chronic diseases is highest among the elderly in general; compared to Anglo-Americans, Mexican Americans have lower rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease and higher rates of depression and diabetes. Using baseline data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) study, weighted hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that sociodemographic, cultural, and psychosocial profiles of respondents varied in the context of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). More depressive symptoms were associated with both diseases, as were lower levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and perceived health. Higher socioeconomic status, greater assimilation, divorced marital status, and adverse life events/changes involving significant personal losses, trauma, and family events increased cancer risk. People who were lower in socioeconomic status, were less assimilated into the host culture, were divorced, and had experienced the illness of a close family member were more likely to have CVD.