Depression, self-esteem, diabetes care and self-care behaviors among middle-aged and older Mexicans

AimsExamine the associations of depression and self-esteem on self-care activities and care received among Mexicans with diabetes.MethodsUsing data from the Mexican Nutrition and Health Survey 2012, logistic regression models were fit to test the associations between each self-care activity and diabetes care, and self-esteem and depression.ResultsPeople with low self-esteem were less likely to follow a diet, but no other associations were found. Contrary to what was expected, there were no relationships between depression and quality of care received or self-care behaviors.ConclusionCurrent findings support the importance of looking at mental health and emotional state among older adults with diabetes. Future studies should explore the relationship between different psychological barriers to proper diabetes management.