Publications [#377307] of Aunchalee E Loscalzo Palmquist

Published Articles

1. Palmquist, AEL; Wilkinson, AV; Sandoval, J-M; Koehly, LM. "Age-related differences in biomedical and folk beliefs as causes for diabetes and heart disease among Mexican origin adults.." Journal of immigrant and minority health  vol. 14 no. 4 (August, 2012.): 596-601. [doi]

   Abstract:
   An understanding of health beliefs is key to creating culturally appropriate health services for Hispanic populations in the US. In this study we explore age-based variations in causal beliefs for heart disease and diabetes among Mexican origin adults in Houston, TX. This cross-sectional study included 497 adults of Mexican origin. Participants were asked to indicate the importance of biomedically defined and folk illness-related risk factors as causes for heart disease and diabetes. Biomedical risk factors were ranked highest as causes of diabetes and heart disease among all participants. Folk illness-related factors were ranked below biomedical factors as causes of heart disease among all age groups. Susto was ranked above the median as a risk factor for diabetes among older participants. Age-related differences in causal beliefs may have implications for designing culturally appropriate health services, such as tailored diabetes interventions for older Mexican origin adults.