Correlação do perfil sociodemográfico e clínico com o nível de conhecimento e atitude em idosos diabéticos

Objective: to identify the correlation between the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of elderly people with diabetes and their level of knowledge and attitude toward self-management of health. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 89 elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A sociodemographic questionnaire, clinical data from medical records, and Brazilian versions of the Diabetes Knowledge Scale Questionnaire and the Diabetes Attitudes Questionnaire were used and analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient. Results: negative correlations were identified for obese elderly individuals (p = 0.038), those who live alone (p = 0.027); smokers (p = 0.003) and non-smokers (p = 0.036); those in regular use of insulin (p = 0.018); and those with kidney disease (p = 0.033). Conclusion: the greater the knowledge, the greater the attitude in elderly women; in all strata referring to family income; residents in urban areas; with a complete high school education; non-obese; and affected by retinopathy. Contributions to practice: it is recommended that nursing actions be strengthened to encompass not only the biological sphere but also the psychosocial sphere and provide attitudinal support for self-management of health.