Latino & Diabetes Study

The Latino & Diabetes Study is a three-year NIH (National Institutes of Health) federally funded project. This investigation will use a multi-method approach (i.e., focus groups and survey measures) to explore the mental models of type II diabetes among Hispanic college students who are high-risk candidates for this disease. Mental models refer to the beliefs that people have regarding a particular disease which in turn impact disease-related behaviors and attitudes. Accurate knowledge of the mental models of type II diabetes that are unique to specific cultural groups is essential for future development of culturally sensitive and effective risk-reduction interventions. The study will also examine: (1) diabetes-specific health behavior; (2) physical health indicators; and (3) health-related attitudes of at-risk Hispanic college students.

Silvia Santos
ssantos@csudh.edu
310-243-3475
SBS A-341
Education: BA, 1984, California State University, San Diego; MA, 1987, Ph. D., 1990, University of California, Riverside
Research and Publications: Work in minority mental health, student retention, and ethnic identity.
Most Recent Publication: Childhood Family Relationships, Marital and Work Conflict, and Mental Health Distress in Mexican Immigrants.

Maria Hurtado-Ortiz
mhortiz@csudh.edu
310-243-3508
SBS A-331
Education: BA, 1992, MA, 1994, Ph. D., 1997, University of California, Riverside
Research and Publications: Work in education and child care. Mental models of Latino students who are at-risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Most Recent Publication: Child Care Practices and Preferences of Native and Foreign-Born Latina Mothers and Euro American Mothers.