Despite the increase of health qualities in the United States over the past 10 years, socioeconomic status still is a major cofounding variable in obesity and diabetes relevance. The consequences of obesity and diabetes are overbearing for taxpayers across the country. As this study was done, the underlying question becomes evident, why are lower economic status families along the Mexican American border plagued with weight related issues? According to the journal, Mexican Americans within the first four household income quartiles had no difference in obesity frequency. But, the first quartiles had much higher chances of having diabetes compared to the third quartile.
As shown in the image above, most of the families living within the first quartile (most poor), lived along or closest to the border between the United States and Mexico. Whereas the third (more rich) quartile, lives farther in Texas.
Fisher-Hoch, Susan P., et al. "Socioeconomic status and prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a Mexican American community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004–2007." Prev Chronic Dis 7.3 (2010): A53.
If the first quartile has a much higher change of having diabetes than the third, does that suggest that the cause is differences in income or differences is location?
ReplyDeleteIf the first quartile has a much higher change of having diabetes than the third, does that suggest that the cause is differences in income or differences is location?
ReplyDeleteCould there be a spatial correlation between obesity rates and food deserts? Perhaps a lack of access to nearby fresh food near the border, where food is grown but then quickly shipped off to processing facilities further in-state, could explain these patterns of obesity?
ReplyDeleteA larger map would be nice to see if the obesity and diabetes rates are similar to anywhere else in Mexico. Also a time frame whether this has increased at all during or after different events in history (border control getting stricter?)
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