Chronic Disease and Depression Among Hispanic Americans

Abstract

Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. They face a distinct set of health challenges, resulting in persistent health disparities. Chronic disease self-management programs hold promise in addressing individual-level, behavioral risks factors, such as dietary habits and physical activity patterns. In light of the unique barriers Hispanic men face, including low participation in evidence-based health intervention research, this article argues for a gendered perspective when approaching Hispanic men's physical and mental health needs. Through the analysis of data collected from male-only focus groups (N = 3, n = 15) with Hispanic Americans in west central Florida, this study identified that masculine identity is influenced by chronic disease and comorbid depression status. Diagnosis with a chronic disease and/or depression is accompanied by lifestyle adaptations, activity restrictions, and changes in income and health care demands that can undermine traditional notions of Hispanic masculinity. Consequently, masculine identity is associated with self-management strategies in complex ways. Public health interventions aimed at addressing comorbid chronic disease and depression among Hispanic men must take into consideration the role of gender identity and relevant conceptualizations of masculinity in order to better serve this underserved and understudied population.

Depressive Symptoms Among Aging Hispanic Americans: Longitudinal Effects of Positive Spousal Support and Previous Depressive Symptoms

“…The results showed that individuals who reported many chronic diseases reported more depressive symptoms 8 years later. This finding is in line with studies that have illustrated positive associations between chronic diseases and depressive symptoms (Black, Markides, & Ray, 2003; Chan & Corvin, 2016). It supports findings that underline the comorbidity of depressive symptoms with chronic physical diseases such as arthritis, heart problems, and diabetes in Hispanic Americans.…”

“…It supports findings that underline the comorbidity of depressive symptoms with chronic physical diseases such as arthritis, heart problems, and diabetes in Hispanic Americans. On one hand, studies have shown that individuals with one or more chronic diseases have an increased risk of experiencing major depressive symptoms (Chan & Corvin, 2016). On the other hand, somatization literature shows that individuals with depression can also experience physical illnesses (Black et al, 2003).…”

A Qualitative Analysis of Latina Migrant Farmworkers’ Perception of Mental Health: Voices From Wisconsin

“…In addition, the Latino culture values “marianismo” as a virtue in which women must emulate the Virgin Mary in selflessness, caring, and sacrifice for their family (Sanchez et al, 2018). Latino women may thus avoid seeking mental health care for fear of affecting their children’s well-being or even losing their families (Chan & Corvin, 2016). Furthermore, the Latino culture observes a characteristic of an external locus of control characteristic by which individuals believe that outside forces, such as fate, luck, and divine influences control their life circumstances and outcomes (Timmins & Martin, 2019).…”

Measuring Masculinity in Men With Chronic Disease

“…However, as this instrument was developed and tested with a population of men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to broaden the scope of the measure to access conceptions of masculinity that are not tied to a single diagnostic group. For example, Chan and Corvin (2016) conducted a qualitative investigation finding links between masculinity, depression, and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, finding a complex interplay of contextual factors. Of particular interest in a broader chronic disease population is the role of sexual identity in masculinity.…”