Abstract

ROSELLO-ARAYA, Marlene; ARAUZ-HERNANDEZ, Ana Gladys; PADILLA-VARGAS, Gioconda  and  MORICE-TREJOS, Ana. Prevalencia de diabetes mellitus auto-reportada en Costa Rica, 1998. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2004, vol.46, n.4, pp.190-195. ISSN 0001-6002.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus through self- notification in Costa Rica and its association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: A module about Diabetes Mellitus was included in the National Home Survey of Multiple Purpose (NHSMP). The study population was defined as all private homes and their occupants, the study dominium were the regions defined by the Ministry of Planning and Economical Policy. At every home, information about family members with Diabetes Mellitus, use of insulin, presence of complications, type of physical limitations and use of health services, was given by and informant, of 15 years or older. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 2,5% (1,9% in men and 3,1% in women). The prevalence was 9,4% for the 89% of people older than 40 years old (7,4% in men and 11,4% in women). Most of the diabetics were married, had elementary education and were classified as "not poor". The use of insulin was 38,2%. In the last semester, 82,2% attended medical services and 8,4% required hospitalization. The disease caused complications to 36,1%, specially visual. After adjusting for age, it was found that women had greater possibility of becoming diabetic as were, people from urban areas. Access to higher education is a protective factor. Conclusion: The prevalence of this disease was lower than in other countries, however it may be underestimated because of the use of self- notification. The characteristics of the patients agreed with the literature. The elevated percentage of patients with complications may reflect poor metabolic control. Genetic factors could explain the higher probability of diabetes in women. The association of place of residency, marital status and education, with diabetes may be explained by the life styles, but its interpretation is limited since this is a transversal study. It would be useful to encourage early detection of the disease in that specific population

Keywords : diabetes mellitus; prevalencia; limitaciones físicas; insulina; hospitalización; encuesta de hogares.