Taking diabetes risk screening to the community: Feasibility and acceptability of the FINDRISC tool in vulnerable populations in Argentina.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in Argentina, with an adult prevalence of 14%. Early detection through risk assessment tools like the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is recommended, but community-level implementation remains limited. A mixed-methods study was conducted in 40 primary care centers across San Juan, Salta, and Tandil. Adults (>18 years) without diabetes were screened using a tablet-based FINDRISC questionnaire. Quantitative data included risk scores and sociodemographic variables; qualitative data explored barriers and facilitators through interviews with healthcare providers and focus groups with patients. Of 11,182 participants, 88.3% completed the questionnaire and 52.3% were at moderate or high risk of T2DM (FINDRISC ≥12). Completion rates were higher in primary care centers (93.3%) than in home visits (77.5%). High rates of obesity (up to 57.6%) and abdominal obesity (up to 75.5%) were observed. Key facilitators included the tool's simplicity and community health worker (CHW) involvement, while barriers involved staff workload, initial resistance, and logistical challenges. Patients reported increased awareness and some lifestyle changes but faced economic and access constraints. FINDRISC screening is feasible and acceptable in diverse Argentine communities. Success is enhanced by CHW engagement, institutional support, and adaptation to local contexts. These findings support broader implementation of diabetes risk screening to inform prevention strategies in similar settings.