BIOLOGICAL RISK PROFILES IN THE OLDER MEXICAN POPULATION

Abstract

Research examining biological risk is critical given that both the Mexican and U.S. populations are aging. Biomarkers can help us understand underlying disease patterns among Mexican-origin individuals in Mexico and the U.S. to help inform disease-prevention efforts for these populations. Using data from the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study and the 2010/2012 Health and Retirement Study, we examine seven biomarkers known to predict health risk: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein. Logistic regression models, controlling for age and sex, are used to predict high-risk for each biomarker among Mexico-born Mexicans, Mexico-born Mexican-Americans, and U.S.-born Mexican-Americans. Results show that Mexico-born Mexicans exhibit higher biological risk for systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, low HDL cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, and inflammation than Mexico-born and U.S.-born Mexican-Americans. Additionally accounting for socioeconomic status and health behaviors did not explain differences in high-risk among Mexican-born Mexicans.