RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The non-adoption of behavioral changes to control diabetes mellitus contributes to a low adherence to self-care. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with non-adoption of healthy behaviors among diabetic individuals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) carried out in 2013 in Brazil, with adults (≥18 years) (n = 3098). The outcome variable was the non-adoption-two or fewer-of healthy behaviors. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with non-adoption of healthy behaviors. RESULTS: Approximately, 50% of the participants adopted two or fewer healthy habits and the most frequently mentioned were not drinking excessively (94.1%) and not smoking (89.1%). Not using diabetic medication (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.85), not making regular doctor visits (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08-1.87), no limitation of usual activities (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01-1.94) and good self-rated health (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09-1.98) increased the chance of individuals non-adoption of healthy behaviors independently of gender, age, schooling and economic status. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals need to be aware of issues, such as diabetic medication use, frequency of doctor visits, limitation of usual activities and good self-rated health, which are factors that can interfere with the adoption of healthy behaviors of diabetic patients.
