Title

Diabetes and Depressive Symptoms Among Korean American Older Adults: the Mediating Role of Subjective Health Perceptions.

Journal Title

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

PURPOSE

In recognition of the impact of chronic diseases on mental health and the lack of research on Asian American subgroups, the present study examined subjective perceptions of health as a potential mediator in the association between diabetes and depressive symptoms in Korean American older adults.

METHODS

Multivariate analysis with data from 672 Korean American older adults in Florida explored the mediation model of health perceptions.

RESULTS

The presence of diabetes was associated with negative perceptions of health and elevated symptoms of depression. The proposed mediation model was also supported: negative perceptions of health served as an intervening step between diabetes and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervening role of health perceptions yields implications for developing health promotion interventions targeting older individuals with diabetes. Results suggest that even in the presence of chronic health conditions, mental well-being of older adults can be maintained by having optimistic beliefs and positive attitudes towards their own health.

Keywords

Diabetes, Depressive symptoms, Korean American older adults

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Volume

97

Issue

3

First Page

432

Last Page

437

DOI

10.1016/j.diabres.2012.03.018

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