Prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus in Costa Rica, 1998

Abstract

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 includedin the National Home Survey of Multiple Purpose(NHSMP). The study population was defined as all privatehomes and their occupants, the study dominium were theregions defined by the Ministry of Planning andEconomical Policy. At every home, information about fam-ily members with Diabetes Mellitus, use of insulin, pres-ence of complications, type of physical limitations and useof health services, was given by and informant, of 15 yearsor older.

Results:The prevalence of diabetes was 2,5% (1,9% in menand 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% inwomen). Most of the diabetics were married, had elemen-tary education and were classified as ""not poor"". The use ofinsulin was 38,2%. In the last semester, 82,2% attendedmedical services and 8,4% required hospitalization. The dis-ease caused complications to 36,1%, specially visual. Afteradjusting for age, it was found that women had greater pos-sibility of becoming diabetic as were, people from urbanareas. Access to higher education is a protective factor.

Conclusion:The prevalence of this disease was lower thanin other countries, however it may be underestimatedbecause of the use of self-notification. The characteristicsof the patients agreed with the literature. The elevated per-centage of patients with complications may reflect poormetabolic control. Genetic factors could explain the higherprobability of diabetes in women. The association of placeof residency, marital status and education, with diabetesmay be explained by the life styles, but its interpretation islimited since this is a transversal study. It would be usefulto encourage early detection of the disease in that specific population.