Prevalência de autorrelato da morbidade e conhecimento sobre diabetes: Estudo populacional de uma cidade no sul do Brasil

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge about diabetes and the prevalence of self-reported diabetes in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out including 972 subjects aged from 20 to 69 years. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 5.3% (95% CI: 3.9% - 6.7%). Most individuals (73.4%) considered that physical exercise is beneficial for diabetic patients. Approximately 90% of the sample correctly identified the characteristics of diabetes, and greater knowledge was observed among those aged 20 to 49 years and from high socioeconomic status. More than half of the sample (54.9%) correctly identified the risk factors for diabetes and greater knowledge was observed among females and subjects from high socioeconomic level. Knowledge on diabetes seems to be widespread among the population, although it is marked, mainly, by socioeconomic differences. Government health promotion strategies are urgent to raise awareness about this morbidity in the population.