Roberto Villarreal, MD, MPH¹, Julia D Portale, MPH, MBA², Virginia Seguin Mika, MPH³, and Kenneth S. Babamoto, PharmD, MPH². (1) South Texas Health Research Center, Univ. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229-7791, (210) 567-7826, villarrealr@uthscsa.edu, (2) Community Health, Pfizer Health Solutions, 235 East 42nd Street (150/37/5), New York, NY 10017, (3) STHRC, UTHSCSA, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229-7791

Depression and Diabetes are two chronic illnesses that can run concomitantly, however research in this area is not very extensive. There is common knowledge that Diabetes type 2 patients develop a high prevalence rate that other patients, nevertheless this assumptions has not been fully tested. To test such hypothesis a health promotion and chronic disease prevention program was implemented in a community clinic located in the US-Mexico border. The patient population characteristics are: Low income, mostly Spanish speakers and with Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The aim of this program is to develop a two prong intervention. One aimed to increase participation and adherence to medication, nutrition and physical activity and the other to help diffuse the burden of depression and facilitate treatment to this population. A total sample of 517 patients were randomized into intervention and control groups. The control group received standard of care and the intervention group received a personalized intervention based on the Trans theoretical model for behavioral change, while both groups had a survey instrument to measure the prevalence of Depression. A cadre of Promotoras was trained in the content of Type 2 diabetes, HIPAA and IRB compliance, survey implementation, Trans theoretical model, Depression and support groups’ development. The total prevalence of Depression in this population was of 42 % with from which 66% were defined as mildly depress and the rest as moderate to severe. Most of the surveys, intervention and counseling were developed in Spanish. This population represents important challenges to participation, treatment and adherence to programs such like this one.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participants will be able to

• recognize prevalence of Depression among Type 2 Diabetes patients of Mexican Americna Origin and monstly Spanish Speakers.
• Identify the common bariers fro treatment and adherance to prescription.
• Develop a better sense oncultural barriers and economical perceptions of Depression among this population.

Keywords: Latino Mental Health, Diabetes

Related Web page: sthrc.uthscsa.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.