[Diagnosis of the health of a diabetic population in the county of Priorato in Tarragona province]

Abstract

A health diagnosis made over a two-year period in the basic health area of Falset is described (17 municipalities with populations between 39 and 2,603 inhabitants, making-up a total reference population of 7,283 habitants) in relation to the diabetic population of the Priorato county in Catalunya. This county is geographically heterogeneous, with semi-arid hilly landscape, with poor communications, a farming population and a notoriously hostile climate. The population pyramid, inclined towards progressive aging of the population, is evidence of a major migration from the country. By means of continuous education of health personnel, updating of information sources, improvement of registration systems, and final evaluation, the outlines of an action plan is worked out with a view to the organisation of diabetic care in this rural context. A total of 226 diabetics were counted: 15 type 1 (6.2%), and 211 type II (93.8%). The incidence of diagnosed diabetes in the basic health area is 3.1% (1.4% to 10.33%). The average age of the patients was 65.6 years with a preponderance of women (146 = 64.6%). In 92 patients (40.2%) the evolution time was less than 5 years. The insulinisation rate was calculated at 26.1%. The typical diabetic patient is a retired person or a housewife (87.8), with primary of elementary education (82.7%), supported by the family.