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Abstract

Project Mentor(s): David Gee, PhD; Kathaleen Briggs Early, PhD, RDN, CDCES; Katy Williams, MS, RDN

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of diabetes in Mexican American adults (MA-adults) and how risk factors like acculturation, dietary quality, and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the rising rates of diabetes, using the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2011 to 2018 data. Methods: We analyzed the NHANES data of MA-adults and Non-Hispanic White adults (NHW-adults) (n= 10670) for the association of diabetes and its risk factors (dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle) by acculturation levels. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Results: MA-adults exhibited substantially higher rates of diabetes (12.8%) compared to NHW-adults (8.75%). Key risk factors contributing to diabetes prevalence included age (60+), body mass index (BMI > 25 kg/m2), and low educational attainment (high school education or below). Highly acculturated MA-adults had poorer diet quality (HEI = 50.4). Low acculturated MA-adults had a higher diabetes prevalence (18.2%) despite having the highest diet score (HEI = 55.4). MA-adults had higher diabetes rates at all levels of sedentary lifestyle compared to NHW- adults, particularly those reporting over eight hours of sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: In the fully adjusted model, diabetes risk was primarily explained by age, BMI, and low educational attainment. Acculturation, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes prevalence among MA-adults showed no significant independent relationship. MA-adults with the least amount of sedentary lifestyle behaviors had the lowest prevalence of diabetes. Low-acculturated MA-adults had the highest Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, reflecting better dietary quality compared to their more acculturated counterparts.

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101

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