The Association of Negative Emotions and Stress with Undiagnosed Diabetes in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Abstract

Psychological factors play in critical role in disease management, yet most research has focused on sociodemographic factors related to undiagnosed diabetes. Consequently, this study examined associations between psychological factors and diabetes diagnosis status among participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Participants were 1,012 Hispanic/Latino adults (mean (SD) age: 54 (13) years) with T2DM. Individuals self-reporting T2DM or on medication were categorized as diagnosed (68%; N = 669). Three SEM models were examined, 1) trait emotions: anxiety, loneliness, and hopelessness, 2) distinct stressors: lifetime stress and chronic stress, 3) state emotions: depression and perceived stress. Only distinct stressors appeared significant, more chronic stressors (? = .68, p < .001) and fewer lifetime stressors (? = -.56, p = .001) were associated with diagnosed vs. undiagnosed diabetes. Findings suggest that distinct stressors rather than emotional distress may be of greater relevance to diabetes diagnosis status among Hispanics/Latino adults.