Family Separation at the US and Mexico Border Continues.

Record-breaking levels of asylum seeking by families with young children continue at the United States/Mexico border, particularly the Rio Grande Valley sector. In this Commentary, our aim is to increase awareness by providing child and adolescent mental health care providers with an update on current migrant conditions, bringing to light issues of family separation previously highlighted in the Journal.1 For context, our international group has collected data, via 3 large-scale studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, from more than 600 Latinx immigrants seeking asylum at the US/Mexico border in the last 4 years, during which levels of violence, climate disruption, and poverty in the Northern Triangle of Central America (ie, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) and Mexico have propelled high and sustained levels of asylum seeking in the United States. We contribute expertise in clinical psychology, Latinx psychology, attachment disruption, and public health, as well as this front-row perspective.

Reverse-Coded Items Do Not Work in Spanish: Data From Four Samples Using Established Measures.

The potential for suboptimal psychometric performance of reverse-coded items may be particularly pronounced when scales are translated and administered in Spanish with these problems exacerbated in youth respondents. This is a significant concern, given the rapid rise in Hispanic-American and Spanish-speaking individuals in the US and their rightful, growing representation in psychological research and clinical care. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric performance of reverse-coded items across four Spanish-speaking samples spanning developmental stages including youth, college students, and parents (N = 1,084; Adolescents n = 107; M = 19.79; SD = 2.09; 41.1% female; Caregivers n = 58; M = 40.79; SD = 7.94; 60.3% female; Spanish-speaking adults in the US n = 157; M = 33.4; SD = 9.5; 68.8% female; and College students living in Latin America n = 783; M = 21.04; SD = 3.13; 69.2% female) and four scales (Big Five Inventory; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; Beck Hopelessness Scale); we expected reverse-coded items would demonstrate inadequate item-total correlations and their inclusion would compromise scale internal consistency. Hypotheses were supported with evidence of poor psychometric performance for at least two reverse-coded items on each instrument, such that un-reversing the items improved their item-total correlations. Across every instrument, alpha was either improved by excluding reverse-coded items or by including them in an un-reversed fashion and, overall, there was a moderate, negative effect of reverse-coded items on scale alphas. In growing consensus with previous authors, we recommend that reverse-coded items not be included in Spanish scales.

Socialización organizacional y salud mental positiva ocupacional como predictores del compromiso organizacional en docentes de educación superior / Organizational socialization and positive occupational mental health as predictors of organizational commitment in higher education teachers

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el carácter predictivo de la socialización organizacional y la salud mental positiva ocupacional sobre el compromiso organizacional en docentes de educación superior. Se contó con una muestra de 279 docentes de instituciones de educación superior que firmaron un consentimiento informado. El 54.5 % de los participantes eran mujeres, con una media de edad de 44.05 años (DE = 10.26). Los participantes respondieron el Inventario de Socialización Organizacional (ISO), el Cuestionario de Salud Mental Positiva Ocupacional (SMPO) y la Escala de Compromiso Organizacional (CO), y para el análisis de datos se aplicaron estadísticos descriptivos, un análisis de correlación y una regresión lineal múltiple con método de pasos sucesivos, ingresando por separado cada dimensión del compromiso organizacional como variable dependiente. Como resultado, se identificaron correlaciones de moderadas a débiles entre las variables de estudio, y se encontró que los modelos finales indican que las dimensiones de perspectivas de futuro y socioafectiva predicen en un 38 % el compromiso afectivo; que las perspectivas de futuro, la espiritualidad y la edad predicen en un 22.8 % el compromiso normativo; y que la dimensión perspectivas de futuro predice en un 9.2 % el compromiso de continuidad. Concluimos que las expectativas del docente sobre su desarrollo en la institución, así como sus interacciones a nivel socioafectivo y espiritual con el contexto laboral, son factores que influyen parcialmente en su vinculación con la organización educativa.

Abstract This study aimed to determine the predictive character of organizational socialization and occupational positive mental health on organizational commitment in higher education teachers. A sample of 279 teachers from higher education institutions who signed an informed consent form was used. Fifty-four point five percent of the participants were women, with a mean age of 44.05 years (SD = 10.26). The participants completed the Organizational Socialization Inventory (ISO), the Positive Occupational Mental Health Questionnaire (SMPO) and the Organizational Commitment Scale (OC), and for data analysis descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression with stepwise method were applied, entering each dimension of organizational commitment separately as a dependent variable. As a result, moderate to weak correlations were identified between the study variables, and it was found that the final models indicate that the future perspectives and socio-affective dimensions predict affective commitment by 38%; that future perspectives, spirituality and age predict normative commitment by 22.8%; and that the future perspectives dimension predicts commitment of continuity by 9.2%. It is concluded that teachers' expectations about their development in the institution, as well as their interactions at the socio-affective and spiritual level with the work context, are factors that partially influence their attachment to the educational organization.

A Cross-sectional Study of the Mental Health Symptoms of Latin American, US Hispanic, and Spanish College Students Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Young adults and racial/ethnic minorities report the worst mental health outcomes during the COVID19 pandemic, according to the Center for Disease Control (2020). The objectives of this study were (1) to identify common mental health symptoms among Latin American, US Hispanic, and Spanish college students, and (2) to identify clinical features predictive of higher post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among this population. The study sample included 1,113 college students from the USA, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and Spain who completed an online survey containing demographic questions and mental health screeners. Findings revealed higher scores of depression, suicidality, and PTSS compared to pre-pandemic levels and current scores by non-Spanish speaking college students; however, less than 5% of participants endorsed clinical levels of anxiety. After controlling for demographic profiles and sociocultural values, clinical symptoms of depression, loneliness, perceived stress, anxiety, and coping strategies explained 62% of the PTSS variance. Age, history of mental illness, perceived social support, and familism were not significant predictors. This sample of college students revealed higher mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of PTSS highlights the need to develop pragmatic, cost-effective, and culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate these symptoms. Implications for college administrators and clinicians are discussed.

Family functioning and school connectivity in Mexican high school adolescents / Funcionamento familiar e conectividade escolar em adolescentes mexicanos do Ensino Médio

Family functionality has shown its relevance in the comprehensive development of adolescents, with school connectivity being a very important aspect. To determine the association between family functioning and school connectivity in Mexican high school adolescents, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in a census of 396 adolescents in a public high school in Mexico. The self-report of family functioning and the school connectedness scale were used, both with α > 0.84. ꭕ2 and ANOVA were applied. The results show significant differences in conflict with shift (morning ꭕ2 = 42.47 vs. evening ꭕ2 = 40.35, F = 4.57, p = 0.033), and leadership with degree (1st ꭕ2 = 8.14, 2nd ꭕ2 = 8.97, 3rd ꭕ2 = 8.90, F = 3.52, p = 0.030). Connectivity associated with school variables (p < 0.05). There are no differences or association between sex, age or qualifications with connectivity. Family functioning was associated in affective expression with school (ꭕ2 = 3.77, p = 0.055) and in leadership with students (ꭕ2 = 2.92, p = 0.05). It is concluded that the leadership of the parents and the affective expression of the family favors school connectivity between students and with their school.

A funcionalidade familiar tem mostrado sua relevância no desenvolvimento integral dos adolescentes, sendo a conectividade escolar um aspecto muito importante. Para determinar a associação entre funcionamento familiar e conectividade escolar em adolescentes mexicanos do Ensino Médio, foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico em um censo de 396 adolescentes em uma escola pública no México. Foram utilizados o autorrelato de funcionamento familiar e a escala de conectividade escolar, ambos com α > 0,84. ꭕ2 e ANOVA foram aplicados. Os resultados mostram diferenças significativas no conflito com turno (ꭕ2 da manhã = 42,47 vs. ꭕ2 da noite = 40,35, F = 4,57, p = 0,033) e liderança com grau (1º ꭕ2 = 8,14, 2º ꭕ2 = 8,97, 3º ꭕ2 = 8,90, F = 3,52, p = 0,030). Conectividade associada a variáveis escolares (p < 0,05). Não há diferenças ou associação entre sexo, idade ou qualificações com conectividade. O funcionamento familiar foi associado na expressão afetiva com a escola (ꭕ2 = 3,77, p = 0,055) e na liderança com os alunos (ꭕ2 = 2,92, p = 0,05). Conclui-se que a liderança dos pais e a expressão afetiva da família favorece a conectividade escolar entre os alunos e com sua escola.

Hábitos de alimentación asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos: una revisión integrativa

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir hallazgos publicados de hábitos de alimentación y su relación con sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mexicanos. Material y Método: Revisión integrativa basada en 5 pasos sugeridos por Crossetti, utilizando las palabras clave "hábitos de alimentación", "sobrepeso", "obesidad" y "adultos mexicanos", con operadores booleanos "AND" y "OR"; se buscó en Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus y WOS, entre los años 2005 y 2020, publicaciones en español e inglés. Resultados: Se identificaron 64 artículos, de estos se descartaron 52, quedando 12 acordes a criterios de inclusión; los artículos fueron analizados en extenso, identificando 4 categorías: 1) Zona de vivienda; 2) Estrato socioeconómico; 3) Género y 4) Cultura; cada una de ellas con subcategorías. Conclusiones: Las zonas rurales reportan mayor consumo de frutas, verduras, cereales, vitaminas y menor consumo calórico; en zonas urbanas se consume mayor cantidad de grasa, alimentos procesados, azúcares refinadas y menos vegetales, frutas y cereales. Un mayor estrato socioeconómico se asocia con alimentación menos calórica y comidas más naturales. Los hombres consumen más carne, grasa y alcohol, las mujeres consumen más hidratos de carbono y azúcares refinadas. En cuestiones culturales reportan distracciones a la hora de comer, como uso de celular, bajo consumo de agua y alto consumo de gaseosas (70%); refieren barreras para alimentarse sanamente, como el trabajo pagado y doméstico, realizando comidas a prisa, sin considerar la calidad de los alimentos que se consumen. Estos hallazgos sugieren considerar factores socioeconómicos y culturales en las acciones preventivas que los profesionales de enfermería realizan en la práctica clínica y comunitaria.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe published findings on eating habits and their relationship with overweight and obesity in Mexican adults. Materials and Methods: Integrative review based on 5 steps suggested by Crossetti, using the keywords "feeding habits", "overweight", "obesity" and "Mexican adults" along with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" in the Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus and WOS databases, with publications in Spanish and English, between the years 2005 and 2020. Results: 64 articles were identified and 52 were discarded, leaving 12 that complied with the inclusion criteria. The articles were extensively analyzed, identifying 4 categories: 1) Housing area; 2) Socioeconomic stratum; 3) Gender and 4) Culture; each of them divided into subcategories. Conclusions: Rural areas report higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, vitamins and lower caloric consumption, while in urban areas more fat, processed food, refined sugars and fewer vegetables, fruits and cereals are consumed. A higher socioeconomic stratum is associated with a less caloric diet and more natural food. Men consume more meat, fat and alcohol, while women consume more carbohydrates and refined sugars. Regarding cultural issues, people report distractions at mealtime, such as cell phone use, low water consumption and high consumption of soft drinks (70%); they also refer to barriers to healthy eating, such as work, eating meals quickly without considering the quality of food. These findings suggest considering socioeconomic and cultural factors in the preventive actions that nursing professionals carry out in clinical and community practice.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os resultados publicados sobre hábitos alimentares e sua relação com sobrepeso e obesidade em adultos mexicanos. Material e Método: Revisão integrativa baseada em 5 etapas sugeridas por Crossetti, utilizando as palavras-chave "hábitos alimentares", "sobrepeso", "obesidade" e "adultos mexicanos", com operadores booleanos "AND" e "OR", a busca foi realizada em Scielo, PubMed, Conricyt, Scopus e WOS, entre os anos de 2005 e 2020, publicações em espanhol e inglês. Resultados: Foram identificados 64 artigos, destes, 52 foram descartados, restando 12, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão; os artigos foram amplamente analisados, identificando 4 categorias: 1) Área de habitação; 2) Estrato socioeconómico; 3) Gênero e, 4) Cultura; cada um deles com subcategorias. Conclusões: As áreas rurais relatam maior consumo de frutas, hortaliças, cereais, vitaminas e menor consumo calórico; nas áreas urbanas, o consumo maior é de gordura, alimentos processados, açúcares refinados e menor consumo de vegetais, frutas e cereais. Um estrato socioeconómico mais elevado está associado a uma dieta menos calórica e alimentos mais naturais. Os homens consomem mais carne, gordura e álcool, as mulheres consomem mais carboidratos e açúcares refinados. Em questões culturais, relatam distrações na hora das refeições, como uso do celular, baixo consumo de água e alto consumo de refrigerantes (70%), referem-se a barreiras para uma alimentação saudável, como trabalho remunerado e doméstico, alimentação rápida, sem considerar a qualidade dos alimentos consumidos. Os resultados sugerem considerar fatores socioeconómicos e culturais nas ações preventivas que os profissionais de enfermagem realizam na prática clínica e comunitária.

Saúde Mental Positiva Ocupacional: proposta de modelo teórico para abordagem positiva da saúde mental no trabalho / Occupational Positive Mental Health: proposal of a theoretical model for the positive approach of mental health at work / Salud Mental Positiva Ocupacional: propuesta de un modelo teórico para el abordaje positivo de la salud mental en el trabajo

Resumo Propõe-se um modelo teórico para a abordagem da saúde mental positiva ocupacional baseado na psicologia positiva, a psicologia ecológica, a salutogênese e o humanismo. O modelo compreende uma estrutura de seis fatores: bem-estar pessoal no trabalho, relações interpessoais positivas no trabalho, filosofia da vida laboral, empoderamento no trabalho, fortalezas pessoais no trabalho, e imersão no serviço; que é traduzido em quatro dimensões: cognitiva, socioafetiva, de comportamento e espiritual. Para fundamentar essa proposta, foi realizada uma análise dos dois principais posicionamentos referentes a saúde mental: o tradicional, predominantemente negativo, centrado na supressão ou ausência de doença, e o positivo, focado na promoção da saúde e desenvolvimento de círculos virtuosos. Derivado da análise, encontramos uma postura mista e vazios teóricos que justificam a proposta de um modelo autenticamente positivo. Finalizamos com algumas conclusões e implicações práticas de relevância para esse tema.

Abstract We propose a theoretical model for the approach of Occupational Positive Mental Health based on positive psychology, ecologic psychology, salutogenesis and humanism. The model has a six-factor structure: personal wellbeing at work, positive interpersonal relationships at work, work-life philosophy, empowerment at work, personal strengths at work, and task immersion. These six aspects are translated into four dimensions: cognitive, socio-affective, behavioral, and spiritual. In order to support this proposal, an analysis of the two main approaches to mental health was developed, the traditional, focused on the negative, the suppression or absence of sickness, and the positive, focused on health promotion and the development of virtuous circles. Derived from the analysis, we found a mixed approach and a theoretical shortage that justify the need of an authentic positive model proposition. We finalize with some conclusions and practice implications of social relevance for the topic.

Resumen Se propone un modelo teórico para el abordaje de la salud mental positiva ocupacional basado en la psicología positiva, la psicología ecológica, la salutogénesis y el humanismo. El modelo comprende una estructura de seis factores: bienestar personal en el trabajo, relaciones interpersonales positivas en el trabajo, filosofía de vida laboral, empoderamiento en el trabajo, fortalezas personales en el trabajo, e inmersión en la tarea; lo cual se traduce en cuatro dimensiones; cognitiva, socioafectiva, comportamental y espiritual. Para fundamentar esta propuesta, se realizó un análisis de los dos principales posicionamientos referente a la salud mental, el tradicional, predominantemente negativo, centrado en la supresión o ausencia de enfermedad, y el positivo, enfocado en la promoción de la salud y desarrollo de círculos virtuosos. Derivado del análisis, encontramos una postura mixta y vacíos teóricos que justifican la propuesta de un modelo auténticamente positivo. Finalizamos con algunas conclusiones y las implicaciones prácticas de relevancia social para este tema.

[Representation of self-care of health at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico]. / Representación del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo de conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México.

This study aimed to analyze the social representations of health self-care at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico. The methodology was qualitative, with a multi-method design based on the theory of social representations. The first stage involved active observation sessions with the information recorded in field notes; in the second stage, the associative letter technique and successively hierarchized trees technique were applied to 20 drivers, submitting the data to a classical analysis of the free associations; a third stage involved semi-structured interviews with 4 drivers, submitted to content analysis. The results indicate that structurally, the representation is centered on alimentation, presenting the concepts rest and corrective health care at peripheral levels. Procedurally, the represeentation centers in the psychosocial factors derived from the working conditions, while the rest of the work characteristics are seen as low risk to health. The self-care actions mentioned by the participants only focus on the workinging conditions perceived as risky. The social representation of health self-care at work is a collective mental construction, developed and modified through social interactions, which influences self-care measures used against the risks perceived in the workplace.

Representación del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo de conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México / Representation of self-care of health at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico / Representação do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho de motoristas de ônibus urbano em Guadalajara, México

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las representaciones sociales del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo en conductores de autobús urbano de Guadalajara, México. La metodología fue cualitativa, con un diseño multimétodo, basado en la teoría de las representaciones sociales. En una primera etapa se efectuaron sesiones de observación participante, la información se registró en notas de campo; en una segunda fase se aplicaron las técnicas de la carta asociativa y los tris jerarquizados sucesivos a 20 conductores, los datos se sometieron a análisis clásico de las asociaciones libres; en una tercera etapa se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 4 conductores, siendo sometidas a análisis de contenido. Los resultados indican que, estructuralmente, la representación se centra en la alimentación, presentándose en niveles periféricos el descanso y el cuidado correctivo de la salud. Procesualmente, la representación gira en torno a los factores psicosociales que se desprenden de las condiciones de trabajo, el resto de las características del ejercicio laboral se consideran poco riesgosas para la salud. Las acciones de autocuidado mencionadas se enfocan en las condiciones de trabajo percibidas como riesgosas. La representación social del autocuidado de la salud en el trabajo es una construcción mental colectiva, desarrollada y modificada a través de la interacción social, la cual influye en las acciones de autocuidado empleadas frente a los riesgos existentes en el entorno laboral.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the social representations of health self-care at work among urban bus drivers in Guadalajara, Mexico. The methodology was qualitative, with a multi-method design based on the theory of social representations. The first stage involved active observation sessions with the information recorded in field notes; in the second stage, the associative letter technique and successively hierarchized trees technique were applied to 20 drivers, submitting the data to a classical analysis of the free associations; a third stage involved semi-structured interviews with 4 drivers, submitted to content analysis. The results indicate that structurally, the representation is centered on alimentation, presenting the concepts rest and corrective health care at peripheral levels. Procedurally, the represeentation centers in the psychosocial factors derived from the working conditions, while the rest of the work characteristics are seen as low risk to health. The self-care actions mentioned by the participants only focus on the workinging conditions perceived as risky. The social representation of health self-care at work is a collective mental construction, developed and modified through social interactions, which influences self-care measures used against the risks perceived in the workplace.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as representações sociais do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho dos motoristas de ônibus urbano de Guadalajara, México. A metodologia foi qualitativa, com uma abordagem multimétodo, baseada na teoria das representações sociais. Em uma primeira etapa foram efetuadas sessões de observação participante, a informação foi registrada em anotações de campo; na segunda fase foram aplicadas técnicas de cartas associativas e momentos hierárquicos sucessivos a 20 motoristas, cujos dados foram submetidos à análise clássico das associações livres; em uma terceira etapa foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a quatro motoristas, sendo submetidas a análises de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que, estruturalmente, a representação está focada na alimentação, apresentando-se em níveis periféricos o descanso, junto com o cuidado correto da saúde. Processualmente, a representação vira em torno dos fatores psicossociais, que se desprendem das condições de trabalho, o resto das características da atividade laboral foi considerado pouco arriscado para a saúde. As ações de autocuidado citadas foram focadas às condições de trabalho percebidas como arriscadas. A representação social do autocuidado da saúde no trabalho é uma construção mental coletiva, desenvolvida e modificada através da interação social, a qual influencia as ações de autocuidado empregadas frente aos riscos existentes no entorno laboral.

[Type 2 diabetes and depression in Guadalajara , Mexico , 2005]. / Diabetes Tipo 2 y Depresión en Guadalajara, México. 2005.

OBJECTIVE: Determining the prevalence of depression and comparing sociodemographic, metabolic and clinical indicators in depressed and non-depressed people suffering from type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 450 people aged over 30 suffering from type 2 diabetes; they had been diagnosed more than one year before and psychopathology had not been determined for them. A modified Zung's scale was applied and a sociodemographic survey carried out. Glucosylated haemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and glycemia in fasting were all evaluated. Diagnostic history and clinical state regarding diabetes were recorded. RESULTS: There was 63 % depression prevalence in a 3 to 1 ratio, this being greater in women than in men (2,08-4,82 95 %CI, p=0.00). Differences between depressed and non-depressed people were found in schooling, civil state and occupation (p<0.05); differences were not presented with age, just like metabolic variables, except for IMC, diagnostic history and clinical states 3 and 4. No association was found between socio-demographic and clinical metabolic variables by gender (p>0.05); however, diagnostic history and clinical state were associated with gender, the former being associated just with men and the latter with both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression was high in people suffering from diabetes and women were at greater risk. No association was revealed between age and people suffering from diabetes who were depressed, unlike schooling, civil state and occupation; depression was presented more amongst people having a longer diagnostic history of diabetes and greater BMI.

Diabetes Tipo 2 y Depresión en Guadalajara, México. 2005 / Type 2 diabetes and depression in Guadalajara, Mexico, 2005

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de depresión y comparar indicadores sociodemográficos, metabólicos y clínicos, en personas con diabetes tipo 2 deprimidas y no deprimidas. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal comparativo en una muestra de 450 personas con diabetes tipo 2, mayores de 30 años, con más de un año de diagnóstico y sin determinación de psicopatología. Aplicamos escala de Zung modificada y encuesta sociodemográfica, evaluamos Hemoglobina glucosilada, índice de masa corporal (IMC), tensión arterial y glucemia de ayuno; registramos antigüedad diagnóstica y estadio clínico de diabetes. Resultados La prevalencia de depresión fue de 63 por ciento, en una proporción de 3 a 1, mayor en mujeres que en hombres con razón de momios 3,17(IC 95 por ciento 2,08-4,82) p=0,0000. Existen diferencias en escolaridad, estado civil y ocupación entre deprimidos y no deprimidos (p<0.05), la edad no presenta diferencias, al igual que las variables metabólicas, excepto IMC, antigüedad diagnóstica y estadio clínico 3 y 4. En las variables socio-demográficas y clínico-metabólicas por sexo, no encontramos asociación en las primeras (p>0.05), no obstante, antigüedad diagnostica y estadio clínico si se asocian con sexo, la primera de estas se asoció solo en hombres y la segunda en ambos sexos. Conclusiones La prevalencia de depresión es alta en las personas con diabetes y las mujeres tienen mayor riesgo. La edad no muestra asociación entre personas con diabetes que están deprimidas, a diferencia de escolaridad, estado civil, y ocupación; la depresión se presentó mßs en personas con más antigüedad diagnóstica de diabetes y mayor IMC.

Objective: Determining the prevalence of depression and comparing sociodemographic, metabolic and clinical indicators in depressed and non-depressed people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 450 people aged over 30 suffering from type 2 diabetes; they had been diagnosed more than one year before and psychopathology had not been determined for them. A modified Zung's scale was applied and a sociodemographic survey carried out. Glucosylated haemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and glycemia in fasting were all evaluated. Diagnostic history and clinical state regarding diabetes were recorded. Results There was 63 percent depression prevalence in a 3 to 1 ratio, this being greater in women than in men (2,08-4,82 95 percentCI, p=0.00). Differences between depressed and non-depressed people were found in schooling, civil state and occupation (p<0.05); differences were not presented with age, just like metabolic variables, except for IMC, diagnostic history and clinical states 3 and 4. No association was found between socio-demographic and clinical metabolic variables by gender (p>0.05); however, diagnostic history and clinical state were associated with gender, the former being associated just with men and the latter with both sexes. Conclusions The prevalence of depression was high in people suffering from diabetes and women were at greater risk. No association was revealed between age and people suffering from diabetes who were depressed, unlike schooling, civil state and occupation; depression was presented more amongst people having a longer diagnostic history of diabetes and greater BMI.