Prevalence of diabetes mellitus according to associated factors in rural traditional populations in Goiás, Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To identify the prevalence of and factors associated with diabetes mellitus in rural traditional communities. Cross-sectional study carried out in 115 rural communities distributed in 45 municipalities in the state of Goiás, including: 13 river communities, 51 quilombolas and 63 agrarian reform settlements. Probabilistic sampling was performed, and participants were selected at random. The outcome variable was self-reported diabetes mellitus, while exposure variables were sociodemographic, lifestyle, health conditions and access to health services. Multiple regression was used to determine the association between study variables. Among the 2,537 participants, the overall prevalence of diabetes was 9.8%, with 13.5% in river dwellers, 10.0% in quilombolas and 9.3% in settlers. Factors associated with diabetes were negative self-perception of health, being a former smoker, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and living in a river community. The results reinforce the need to strengthen strategies for the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications in rural populations, especially among river dwellers.