Progettare la presa in carico di pazienti migranti con diabete. Risultati preliminari di una indagine su consapevolezza di malattia e attenzione agli stili di vita in un poliambulatorio a bassa soglia

[Autom. eng. transl.] Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease whose prevalence is increasing in the immigrant population. The objective of the study is to evaluate, through a cognitive survey aimed at the migrant diabetic population, the level of awareness, the demographic characteristics and the attention to lifestyles, identifying any associations between the variables considered. Methods: From April to October 2014, patients (PCs) affected by DM afferent to a clinic operated by the Caritas Diocesana of Rome were interviewed. Through questionnaire, information was collected on socio-demographic conditions, awareness, level of taking charge of the DM and attention to lifestyles. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the enrolled sample and investigate possible associations between variables. Results: 67 pcs were interviewed; 27% (17) are homeless and about half (30) come from the Indian sub-continent. At the time of the interview, over 90% (62) knew they had diabetes; 57 for over a year. 60% (44) correctly answered at least one question aimed at investigating the awareness of illness. 31% (20) were smoker, 15% (16) stopped after diagnosis. 76% (51) report having changed diet due to the DM. 80% (54) practice regular physical activity and 34% regularly monitor blood pressure. No socio-demographic variable was found to have an impact on disease awareness. Among lifestyles, the legal status seems to be associated with the choice to practice physical activity (p <0.05). Conclusions: A high level of awareness and a good knowledge of the concept of chronicity is highlighted; the percentages of those who have changed their lifestyle after being diagnosed with diabetes appear comforting. The significant association between legal status and physical activity encourages the conduct of further studies.