Diabetes knowledge in the rural Hispanic community of Washington State’s Lower Yakima Valley

A95

INTRODUCTION
 Mexican Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. Low socioeconomic status, cultural values and norms, knowledge and beliefs can contribute to this disparity. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship of diabetic status, family history, birthplace, and gender on diabetes knowledge among Hispanics in Washington State’s Lower Yakima Valley.
 METHODS
 The study is part of a larger intervention trial being conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (P.I., Thompson, B.) in partnership with a local community hospital. The local hospital offered free spot glucose screening at several community events (i.e. health fairs and festivals) and worksites (i.e. Washington Beef) throughout the summer. Study participants were attendees at a screening event who received blood glucose testing. Participants were 257 men and 499 women at least 18 years of age (mean = 40.69±13.21 years) and current residents of the Yakima Valley. Approximately 92% of participants were Hispanic, 5% Anglo, and 3 % Native American and Asian. Independent variables were gender, diabetes status (yes, n=82; no, n=676, don’t know, n=8), family history of diabetes (yes, n=448; no, n=310; don’t know, n=17) and birthplace (U.S., n=193, Mexico, n=549). Five statements assessing general knowledge of diabetes were presented to participants as part of the baseline screening questionnaire. Chi-square analyses were used to determine the independent associations between diabetes status, family history of diabetes, and birthplace and diabetes knowledge. Once significant variables were identified they were included in a logistic regression model for further analysis. Statistical significance was held at p=0.05.
 RESULTS
 Gender: Women were more likely than men to know eating too much sugar and other sweet foods is not a cause of diabetes (women=21.2%, men=15.2%), diabetes can not be cured (women=69.2%, men=59.1%), a fasting blood sugar level of 210 is too high (women=48.9%, men=22.4%), and there are two main types of diabetes(women=80.0%, men=69.6%). Family history: Those with a positive family history (FH+) were more likely than those with a negative family history (FH-) to know, if they are diabetic their children may be at higher risk of diabetes (FH+=85.5%, FH-=77.4%), a fasting blood sugar of 210 is too high (FH+=74.2%, FH-=67.4%), and there are two main types of diabetes (FH+=79.5%, FH-=72.3%). Birthplace: Individuals born in the U.S. were more likely than those born in Mexico to know eating too much sugar and other sweet foods is not a cause of diabetes (U.S.=24.9%, Mexico=17.1%). Diabetes status:Those with a previous diagnosis of diabetes (Dx+) were more likely than those without a previous diagnosis (Dx-) to know a fasting blood sugar of 210 is too high (Dx+=87.8%, Dx-=69.4%). Logistic regression:After adjustment for all other significant factors associated with each statement, gender and family history remained strongly associated with diabetes knowledge.
 CONCLUSIONWhile most participants had at least some knowledge of diabetes, the findings suggest that men and those without a family history of diabetes have relatively low knowledge of diabetes. These findings may help to target diabetes health education efforts in this largely Hispanic underserved rural community.