Exploring Socio-Behavioral Correlates of Metabolic and Inflammatory Risk in a University Sample Residing Along the U.S./Mexico Border

A Pilot Study Concomitantly Collecting Survey Data, Blood and Hair Samples, and Physical Measures

Bibliographic Data

ID17801138
AuthorsGabriel Frietze (0000-0001-9226-3139, The University of Texas at El Paso, corresponding author), Cai Xu (0000-0002-1412-4229, The University of Texas at El Paso), Bibiana M Mancera (0000-0003-4302-9375, The University of Texas at El Paso), Bibiana Mancera (Border Biomedical Research Center, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA), Elisa Robles‐Escajeda (0000-0002-0104-2857, The University of Texas at El Paso), Alyssa A Martinez (The University of Texas at El Paso), Miguel Gil Gil (The University of Texas at El Paso), Michelle Gil (Border Biomedical Research Center, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA), Diana P Flores (The University of Texas at El Paso), Khodeza Begum (0000-0002-2491-7943, The University of Texas at El Paso), Panfeng Liang (0000-0003-2128-5482, The University of Texas at El Paso), Abhijit Mandal (0000-0001-5626-1072, The University of Texas at El Paso), Michael Nsiah-Nimo (The University of Texas at El Paso), Nilotpal Sanyal (0000-0003-4814-7602, The University of Texas at El Paso), Ming‐Ying Leung (0000-0003-2035-1214, The University of Texas at El Paso), Michael Kenney (0000-0001-9803-8522, The University of Texas at El Paso), Michael J Kenney (Border Biomedical Research Center, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA), Robert A Kirken (The University of Texas at El Paso)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue4
Pages647-647
Publication date2025-04-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22040647
PMID40283868
OpenAlexW4409606826
LanguageEN
References cited39

Hispanic adults have an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a younger age and diagnosis of certain cancers, including liver, stomach, and colorectal, which may be attributed to metabolic health. Several key metabolic health indicators, such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), have been linked to obesity. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the complex relationships between socio-behavioral factors that lead to the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (e.g., HbA1c) and chronic inflammation (interleukins) in Hispanics. Two hundred and twelve Hispanic participants ( M age = 43.45, SD = 15.36) who identified predominantly as female (72.17%) were included in the study. Correlational analyses revealed that HbA1c was positively associated with age and negatively associated with several socio-behavioral factors, including overall health, quality of life, physical health, physical performance, social support, mother's education, and father's education. These findings highlight the importance of social support and parental involvement in diabetes management. The focused integration of socio-behavioral and biological data provides a powerful foundation for future research and the development of targeted interventions

Abdominal obesity · Body mass index · Diabetes mellitus · Metabolic syndrome · Obesity · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Social support · Type 2 diabetes · Waist · Cardiovascular Health and Risk Factors · Demography · Diabetes Management and Education · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Psychology · Endocrinology · Gerontology · Internal Medicine

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