Coverage, focus, risk factors associated with participation, and linkage to the National Campaign for Diabetes Detection in a city in Southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to measure coverage, focus, factors associated with participation, and linkage to the National Campaign for the Detection of Diabetes Mellitus in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. 3,100 individuals living within the city limits of Pelotas were interviewed in a cross-sectional study. Coverage was calculated based on different criteria: utilization, coverage among estimated users, and coverage among self-declared users. The focus was the proportion of tests performed in individuals who had met the inclusion criteria. Coverage rates were: utilization, 45.8% (95%CI: 43.0-48.5), among estimated users, 37.7% (95%CI: 35.1-40.5), and among self-declared users, 38.5% (95%CI: 35.2-41.9). Focus was 46.5% (95%CI: 42.8-50.2). Female gender, older age, and lower schooling were associated with adherence to the campaign. A total of 42.4% of individuals with positive screening tests but without prior diagnoses were subsequently examined by physicians, and half of the diagnoses were confirmed. The campaign showed a low coverage and poor focus. Efforts should be concentrated on improving care for individuals who have already been diagnosed, linking them to services by offering regular medication and educational strategies.