AUTOPERCEPÇÃO DE SAÚDE EM IDOSOS COM DIABETES MELLITUS

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that can cause numerous adverse effects to the physical and psychosocial health of the individuals affected. Commonly observed in the elderly, it is necessary to understand how this population self-perceives their health. Objective: to verify the self-perception of health in the elderly with diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Descriptive observational study, which evaluated 351 elderly, of both sexes, living in the urban area of Passo Fundo/RS. Individuals answered a structured questionnaire, which included data on the sociodemographic profile and the health profile of the interviewees. The inclusion criteria were the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, residents of the urban area of the municipality of Passo Fundo/RS, ability to communicate verbally with the interviewer and who agreed to sign the Informed Consent Term. Exclusion criteria were individuals with auditory impairment or dysarthria, living in long-term institutions or hospitalized. Results: Of the 351 initially recruited, only 54 were selected. The majority were female, between 60-69 years old and had low level of education, were smokers and alcoholics, suffered falls or hospitalizations in the last year, did not had difficulty in the activities of daily living, had poor visual health conditions, performed physical therapy and were practiced physical activity. Most of the sample referred to perceive their health as regular. Conclusion: Elderly with diabetes mellitus self-perceive their health as regular.