Is there a link between education, risk perception, and health outcomes in diabetes in the context of primary intervention among the elderly population?

Abstract

Background: the association between education and health outcomes is under-analyzed in a primary prevention context, particularly regarding the elderly population. Objective: To examine among the elderly, one of the groups more at risk of developing diabetes, whether there is a link between education and health outcomes. If this link is confirmed, exploratory explanations are pursued. These focus on preventive behaviors and risk perceptions as suggested by the literature. Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in urban vulnerable areas of Lisbon, Portugal in January-February 2013. Collected data concerned the awareness of the risks associated with diabetes and related prevention habits of the elderly (such as adoption of risk behavior and health screening habits). Demographic data including education levels, age and gender were collected as well. A final sample of 356 subjects was gathered. Results: Demographic analysis of the sample indicates that it is composed by the same age strata as the general diabetic at-risk population in Portugal. Risk of developing diabetes was found to correlate significantly and negatively with education (p