OBJECTIVES: To compare the dose of prepared insulin to the dosage prescribed among users who self-administer; the differences relate to sociodemographic and clinical variables and identify the difficulties related to the procedure. METHODS: The study included 169 users of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) of a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, between August and October 2006. RESULTS: Among the users who administered different doses than were prescribed (36.1%), 77% identified difficulty viewing the graduated scale of the syringe and 29.5% had motor difficulties in handling the syringe precisely. Sex (female), age (> 60 years) and education (<8 years) were statistically significant predictors. CONCLUSION: The data show the need for targeted interventions to develop skills for self-application of insulin, considering the limitations / capabilities of each user. The proposals of the ESF can support actions for health care focused on the needs of enrolled clients.
Insulin/administration & dosage; Self administration; Diabetes mellitus; Family health
