PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS, ITS COMPLICATIONS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GAPS IN HEALTH CARE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the knowledge and perceptions of undergraduate students in the health field regarding chronic diseases, with an emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus. This is an exploratory-descriptive study with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative), approved by the Ethics Committee under opinion No. 57703022.10000.8044. The research was conducted at Universidade Iguaçu, located in Nova Iguaçu (RJ), with the participation of undergraduate students from health-related courses. A total of 35 students participated after exclusion criteria, predominantly female, with a predominance of young adults concentrated in the age group of 20 to 23 years. Regarding ethnic-racial characterization, a relatively balanced distribution among groups was observed, with a higher proportion of participants who self-identified as Black. The participants demonstrated an understanding aligned with the scientific literature, recognizing DM as a chronic, long-term disease with no cure, but controllable through continuous monitoring. Understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology, its physical, emotional, and social impacts, as well as difficulties faced in care, especially, those related to treatment adherence was also observed. It is concluded that the students demonstrate satisfactory knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus, reinforcing the importance of educational strategies, early diagnosis, and the strengthening of academic training for comprehensive care.