Summary
Authors tested whether generational status is associated with variations in diabetes processes of care among four generational cohorts of Mexican adults: first generation immigrant (foreign-born); second generation (both parents foreign-born); generation 2.5 (one parent foreign-born, one parent U.S.-born); and third generation (both parents U.S.-born). Data were analyzed for 3,072 self-identified foreign and US-born Mexican adults with diabetes age 35 and older who participated in the 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011/2012 California Health Interview Surveys.
Three diabetes process outcomes were measured, including receipt of at least one eye examination, one foot examination, or one hemoglobin A1C test (HbA1c) in the past year. Receipt of an annual influenza vaccine was also measured, and whether an individual with diabetes made an annual doctor visit.
Authors found that the diabetes management care needs of some U.S.-born generations may surpass those of the first generation; specifically, data suggest in comparison to second generation, the U.S.-born 2.5 generation has worse diabetes care management outcomes than the foreign-born, first generation. In addition, the sex of the 2.5 generation's foreign-born parent may be consequential, as having a foreign-born father/U.S.-born mother significantly lowers the odds of accessing routine diabetes processes of care.
