Conhecimento e atitude de pacientes com diabetes mellitus de meia idade e idosos

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder resulting from the production deficit or systemic absorption of the hormone insulin. The incidence of the disease increases with age proportion, ie it is estimated that the number of diabetics increases in the coming years, in view of the Brazilian population aging. The objective was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of patients with Diabetes Mellitus middle-aged and elderly. Cross-sectional study with groups of patients enrolled in the program and Hiperdia treated at health facilities in the municipality of Sarandi, RS, 2012. The sample consisted of 83 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. To collect data, we used a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical variables, the Knowledge Questionnaire (DKN-A) and Attitude Questionnaire (ATT-19). For the presentation of the results we used the descriptive analysis and the associations between the scores DKN-A, ATT-19 and the time of diagnosis of diabetes was assessed using the linear correlation coefficient of Pearson. The results show that the majority of patients (79%) had low knowledge of the disease and is characterized by a score of less than eight, with a p = 0.551. Attitude Questionnaire Regarding the patient in relation to diabetes, the mean score was 51.3 ± 12, and 94% of subjects showed negative attitude to pathology, defined by a score ≤ 70, p = 0.239 may present. In the present study, the patients' knowledge and attitude were unsatisfactory for understanding the pathology and adoption of self-care practices, indicating a low readiness in handling the same, justifying the need for structuring programs for diabetes education in order to promote the service public health