Diabetes mellitus in Montes Claros: self-reported prevalence survey

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus in the population of Montes Claros. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study with population and household basis. The data collection instrument was based on the questionnaire proposed by the Ministry of Health to assess behaviors and risk factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was surveyed through report made by the assessed individuals, in a northern city of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The association of self-reported diabetes to sociodemographic profile, lifestyle, use of health services, and perception of general health was evaluated through Poisson regression, with analysis of prevalence ratios. The average number of medical appointments in the public sector and hospitalization events in the year were compared between diabetics and nondiabetics. Statistical analysis considered the significance level at p