Monitoring and projection of targets for risk and protection factors for coping with noncommunicable diseases in Brazilian capitals

Racial Inequality in the Prevalence of Symptom-Based Depression Versus Self-Reported Medical Diagnosis in Brazil

A cross-sectional study was conducted with Brazilian adults from the 2019 Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS 2019; National Health Survey, in English) who self-declared race/skin color white or black (n = 87,187), to investigate racial inequality in the prevalence of symptom-based versus self-reported depression. Symptom-based depression was screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (cutoff ≥ 10), while medical diagnosis was self-reported. Prevalence of agreement (presence of medical diagnosis among those with symptoms) and disagreement (absence of medical diagnosis among those with symptoms) were compared according to race/skin color. The Odds Ratio (OR) for the association between both depression indicators and race/skin color were estimated by Logistic regression adjusted by socioeconomic variables. The black population had a higher prevalence of symptom-based depression than medical diagnosis (11.0% versus 8.6%; 2.5 percentual points (pp)), with greater differences among younger adults (6.0 pp), without a partner (3.6 pp), with lower income (3.9 pp), education (3.0 pp), less developed regions (north: 3.6 pp; northeast: 4.2 pp) and those with recent access to medical care (4.5 pp). The white population had a higher prevalence of medical diagnosis than symptom-based depression (10.6% versus 12.5%; -1.9 pp), with greater differences between those with higher income (-7.4 pp), education (-4.5 pp) and from south region (-6.0 pp). Disagreement was higher among black individuals while agreement was higher among white, with significant inequality among women for both agreement (33.5% in black versus 41.7% in white) and disagreement (66.5% in black versus 58.3% in white). The black population had a lower chance of having medical diagnosis of depression (OR 0.77; 95%CI 0.70-0.84) than white, regardless of socioeconomic variables. Racial inequality was identified in the prevalence of symptom-based versus self-reported depression, with greater inequality among women and those with lower income and education.

Fruit and vegetable consumption among Brazilian adults: trends from 2008 to 2023

Adequate fruit and vegetable consumption is recognized for its health benefits, including preventing noncommunicable diseases, therefore it should be monitored over the years. This study aimed to investigate the temporal trend of fruit and vegetable consumption among Brazilian adults (≥ 18 years) residing in 26 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District from 2008-2023. A time-series analysis of the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) was conducted. Regular (≥ 5 days/week) and recommended (≥ 5 servings/day on ≥ 5 days/week) fruit and vegetable consumption were analyzed for total population and sociodemographic groups. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify trends in the entire (2008-2023), initial (2008-2014) and most recent (2015-2023) periods. Regular and recommended consumption remained stable from 2008 to 2023. From 2008 to 2014, regular consumption increased in total population (0.71pp/year) and all sociodemographic groups, except for adults aged 25-34 years. From 2015 to 2023, regular consumption decreased in the total population (-0.56pp/year), mainly among men (-0.70pp/year), adults aged 25-34 years (-0.84pp/year), and with higher schooling (-0.96pp/year). The recommended consumption increased from 2008 to 2014 (0.81pp/year), mainly among women (0.90pp/year), adults aged 55-64 years (0.96pp/year), and those with higher schooling (0.77pp/year). The recommended consumption decreased from 2015 to 2023 in total population (-0.52pp/year) and all sociodemographic groups, except for men and adults aged ≥ 65 years. The Brazilian fruit and vegetable consumption increased from 2008 to 2014 but reduced recently (2015-2023).

Burden of disease attributable to risk factors: Estimates of the Global Burden of Disease from 1990 to 2021

OBJECTIVES

Analyze the burden of diseases attributable to risk factors (RF) in Brazil according to age, sex, and Brazilian states between 1990 and 2021.

METHODS

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease study 1990 to 2021. The metrics used in this analysis included: mortality rates, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and Summary Exposure Value (SEV). A ranking of the risk factors was created by highlighting the changes between 1990 and 2021, according to sex, age group, and Brazilian state. RF were analyzed according to the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).

RESULTS

Decline the risk factors of tobacco (-50.2 %), environmental: water, sanitation and hand washing (-58.0 %), and air pollution (-45.0 %), as well as an increase in the burden attributable to BMI (+78.4 %), alcohol consumption (+15.7 %). High systolic blood pressure ranked first in all states in 2021, followed by high blood glucose; tobacco ranking third in most states. The burden of diseases attributable to RFs in Brazil varied considerably between men and women, age groups, and states. Trends in the period from 1990 to 2021 showed a strong correlation with the SDI, better results being observed in states with higher SDI.

CONCLUSIONS

High blood pressure, high BMI and tobacco are the main risk factors for mortality and DALYs in 2021. The burden of disease has a high correlation with socio-economic indicator (SDI). It is important to strengthen public policies that promote healthy lifestyles, thus reducing disease and death.

Noncommunicable disease burden in Brazil and its states from 1990 to 2021, with projections for 2030

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the burden of disease due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) between 1990 and 2021 in Brazil. In addition, this study compared mortality from NCDs with mortality from all causes and COVID-19, analysed NCD mortality trends and projections for 2030, and analysed NCD mortality rates and risk factors attributed to these deaths among the 27 states of Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological studies.

METHODS

This study used the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) database from 1990 to 2021. Premature deaths from four NCDs (neoplasms, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus) were analysed. The following metrics were used to analyse the burden of NCDs in Brazil: absolute number of deaths, proportional mortality, mortality rate, years of life lost due to premature death (YLL), years lived with disabilities (YLD) and disability-adjusted years of life lost due to premature death (DALY). For comparison between the years studied and states, age-standardised rates were used.

RESULTS

Finding from this study showed that there was increase in the proportion of premature deaths due to NCDs between 1990 and 2019 (29.4 % in 1990, 30.8 % in 2019), and a reduction in 2021 (24.7 %). The mortality rates, DALY and YLL from NCDs declined between 1990 and 2019 (-37.7 %, -34.5 % and -38.3 %, respectively); however, a stability in mortality rates, DALY, YLD, YLL was observed between 2019 and 2021 (-0.1 %, 0.7 %, -0.1 % and 0.8 %, respectively). Between 1990 and 2021, there was a decline in mortality rates, DALY and YLL for most states and an increase in YLD rates. However, results suggest that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for the reduction in mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 will not be achieved. The main risk factors associated with premature death from NCDs in 2021 were high blood pressure, tobacco use, dietary risks, high body mass index (BMI) and high blood glucose levels. The correlation between sociodemographic index and percentage change in mortality rates was significant for the following total NCDs, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study highlights the importance of deaths from NCDs in Brazil and the worsening of mortality rates since 2016, as a result of austerity measures and the COVID-19 pandemic, which compromises the achievement of the SDG reduced mortality targets for NCDs. There was a reduction in risk factors for NCDs, mainly behavioural, although metabolic risk factors are of great concern and require new strategies to promote health, prevention and comprehensive care.

Changes in tobacco use and associated factors among Brazilian adolescents: National Student Health Survey

This cross-sectional study used data from Brazil's National Student Health Survey (PeNSE), from 2015 and 2019, to compare consumption of tobacco products among adolescent students in Brazil and identify associated factors. The study variables were current cigarette smoking, use of other tobacco products and use of any tobacco product. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to ascertain associations between the variables; bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Cigarette smoking remained stable between 2015 (6.6%) and 2019 (6.8%), but use of any tobacco product increased (from 10.6% in 2015 to 14.8% in 2019), involving particularly hookahs (7.8%) and e-cigarettes (2.8%). Cigarette smoking was greater among adolescents aged 16 and 17, whose skin colour was black or brown, who missed classes without permission, who reported having no friends, displayed other risk factors, such as drinking alcoholic beverages, or who were passive smokers. The prevalence of smoking has increased over the years and is associated with sociodemographic aspects and other health risk behaviour, highlighting the need for lifelong health promotion actions.

Burden of disease and direct costs to the health system attributable to high body mass index in Brazil

OBJECTIVES

Excess weight, measured by a high body mass index (BMI), is associated with the onset of many diseases, which can, in turn, lead to disability and premature death, subsequently placing a significant burden on healthcare services. This study analysed the burden of disease and the direct costs to the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]) attributable to high BMI in the Brazilian population.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological study.

METHODS

This ecological study had two components: (1) a time-series assessment to analyse the burden of diseases attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019 in Brazil; and (2) a cross-sectional design to estimate the direct costs of SUS hospitalisations and outpatient procedures attributable to high BMI in 2019. Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study and the costs of hospital admissions and outpatient procedures from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used. Deaths, years of life lost to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost adjusted for disability (DALYs) were analysed. The direct health cost was obtained in Brazilian Real (R$) and converted in international Dollars (INT$).

RESULTS

The current study found a reduction in the number of DALYs, YLLs, and deaths per 100,000 population of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to high BMI and an increase in YLD due to diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, high BMI resulted in 2404 DALYs, 658 YLDs, 1746 YLLs, and 76 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. In the same year, INT$377.30 million was spent on hospitalisations and high- and medium-complexity procedures to control non-communicable diseases attributable to high BMI. The states in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil presented the highest total cost per 10,000 inhabitants. CVDs and chronic kidney disease showed the highest costs per hospital admission, whereas neoplasms and CVDs presented the highest costs for outpatient procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

High BMI causes significant disease burden and financial costs. The highest expenses observed were not in locations with the highest burden of disease attributable to high BMI. These findings highlight the need to improve current public policies and apply cost-effective intervention packages, focussing on equity and the promotion of healthier lifestyles to reduce overweight/obesity, especially in localities with low socioeconomic status.

Mortality by avoidable causes in Brazil from 1990 to 2019: data from the Global Burden of Disease Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse the trends of avoidable mortality in Brazil from 1990 to 2019 and its correlation with sociodemographic indexes (SDIs).

STUDY DESIGN

Epidemiological mortality trends.

METHODS

This study analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease database. The list of causes of avoidable death, as proposed by Nolte and McKee, was applied and included 32 causes. The current study used age-standardised mortality rates and the rates of change, in addition to a correlation analysis between avoidable death and the SDI.

RESULTS

Mortality rates decreased from 343.90/100,000 inhabitants in 1990 to 155.80/100,000 inhabitants in 2019. Infectious diseases showed the largest decline in mortality rates, but notable decreases were also found for diarrhoeal diseases (-94.9%), maternal conditions (-66.5%) and neonatal conditions (-60.5%). Mortality rates for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also decreased (-48%) but maintained a similar absolute number of deaths in 2019 compared with 1990. Decreased mortality rates were also found for ischaemic heart disease (-49.1%), stroke (-61.4%) and deaths due to adverse effects caused by medical treatments (-26.2%). Avoidable mortality rates declined in all of the 27 Brazilian states, and a high correlation was found between deaths and SDI (R = -0.74; P < 0.000001).

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction in avoidable deaths was found throughout Brazil over the study period, although major regional inequalities were revealed. Richer states presented the best overall reduction in mortality rates. The biggest decreases in mortality were seen in maternal and paediatric infectious diseases in the poorest states due to the expansion of the Primary Health System and improvements in sanitation. Today, NCDs predominate and efforts should be made to formulate public policies for the prevention and control of NCDs.

Evolution of fruit and vegetable intake among health promotion service participants in a Brazilian metropolis: 48-month follow-up of a randomized controlled community trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess longitudinal effects of a nutrition intervention on fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake among Primary Health Care (PHC) service participants in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS

Demographics and health data on 3414 PHC service participants were collected at baseline in 2013-2014. F&V intake was assessed at baseline, 12, 36, and 48 months until 2017-2018. Services were randomized to control (CG, usual care) or intervention (IG, usual care and a Transtheoretical Model-based intervention to increase F&V intake). We performed difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis to identify intervention effects on F&V intake, and sensitivity analyses of participants observed at all timepoints.

RESULTS

Participants were mostly middle-aged, low-income women. Mean baseline intakes were 168.7 g of fruit, 202.0 g of vegetables, and 370.7 g of F&V, with lower fruit in the IG (164.1 g) than the CG (172.3 g). At 12 months, the intervention increased fruit intake in the IG and fruit and F&V intake among individuals with low baseline F&V intake. Fruit intake remained higher at 36 months in the IG. No effect on vegetable intake was identified. According to sensitivity analyses, effects on fruit intake among the complete sample did not remain significant at 36 months, and an effect on fruit intake at 36 months was identified among those with adequate baseline F&V intake. Reductions in F&V intake did not remain significant.

CONCLUSIONS

At 12 months, a TTM-based intervention increased fruit intake in the overall sample, and fruit and F&V intake among individuals with low baseline intakes. Repeated interventions may be needed over time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

RBR-9h7ckx.

Is Binge Drinking Associated With Specific Types of Exercise and Free Time Sports? A Pooled Analysis With 718,147 Adults

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking in a large sample of adults.

METHODS

Data of 718,147 adults from the "Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey" were used. We described the demographic and behavioral variables, and negative binomial regression analyzed the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking adjusted by demographics variables, body mass index status, and television time.

RESULTS

Outdoor walking/running was the most common exercise reported (20.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.8%-20.2%), followed by team sports (8.1%; 95% CI, 8.0%-8.2%) and strengthening (8.0%; 95% CI, 7.9%-8.1%). The prevalence of binge drinking for each exercise and free time sport type ranged from 6.9% (water aerobics) to 31.9% (team sports). Participants engaging in strengthening (prevalence ratio = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21, P = .002) and team sports (prevalence ratio = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.17, P < .001) were more likely to binge drink more frequently in the past 30 days than inactive participants.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the participants' profile plays an important role in the underlying social context of this association. Participants with more frequent strengthening and less frequent team sports practice, who were primarily younger and single, were more likely to binge drink frequently.

Physical Activity Levels in Leisure Time, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Brazilian Older Adults: National Health Survey, 2019

Health interventions for elderly people must understand the association between physical activity, sociodemographic factors, and non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to verify the association between physical activity in leisure time, sociodemographic factors, and NCDs in Brazilian older people. This is a descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design, carried out using secondary data from the 2019 National Health Survey-Brazil. It used data from 23,144 subjects aged over 60 years. Statistical analyses included descriptive and quantile regression with cutoff points 0.25, 0.50 (Median), 0.75, and 0.90 to verify the association between the variables. The statistical software R version 4.1.3 was used. Older people aged between 60 and 79 years were highlighted up to the 50th quantile. Females showed lower values in all quantiles, with emphasis from quantile 50 onwards. Subjects who self-declared as "white" showed significant differences up to quantile 50, not indicating significant values from this cutoff point. Residents of the rural area had lower values than residents of the urban area in all quantiles, with emphasis starting from the median. For cardiovascular diseases, it was found that subjects who did not report having this type of disease had better results for the amount of physical activity during leisure time, especially from the 75th quantile. It was concluded that there is a direct relationship between time spent in leisure-time performing physical activity, sociodemographic variables, and NCDs. It is necessary to review and validate cutoff points according to each category viewed, which can favor the adjustment of interventions according to each population. Actions of this nature can favor adherence by groups of older people to the weekly practice of physical activity.

[Telephone Survey of Risk Factors for Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases During the Pandemic (Covitel): methodological aspects]

This study describes the methodology of the Telephone Survey of Risk Factors for Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases During the Pandemic (Covitel), conducted in Brazil in 2022. Covitel is a population-based survey representing Brazil and its five macroregions (Central-West, Northeast, North, Southeast, and South) and providing information on the impact of the main risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) on the adult population aged 18 years or above who live in households served by fixed and mobile telephone lines. This study aims to contribute to the development and monitoring of public policies to promote the population's health and obtain results to contribute to the knowledge of the influence of COVID-19 on risk factors for NCDs in the country. We evaluated 9,000 individuals and collected information on their diet, physical activity, mental health, health status, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and alcohol and tobacco consumption, comparing the pre-pandemic moments and the first quarter of 2022. We also collected information about the population's vaccination schedule and COVID-19 infection history.

Temporal trends of morbidities, and risk and protective factors for noncommunicable diseases in elderly residents in Brazilian capitals

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the temporal trends of prevalence of morbidities, risk and protection factors for noncommunicable diseases in elderly residents in Brazilian capitals between 2006 and 2021.

METHODS

A time series study with data from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Inquiry. The variables analyzed were: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, overweight, obesity, consumption of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fruits and vegetables, and the practice of physical activity. Prais-Winsten regression and Interrupted Time Series from 2006 to 2014 and 2015 to 2021 were used.

RESULTS

From 2006 to 2021, for the total elderly population, there was an increase in diabetes (19.2 to 28.4%), alcohol consumption (2.5 to 3.2%), overweight (52.4 to 60.7%) and obesity (16.8 to 21.8%), and a reduction in the prevalence of smokers (9.4 to 7.4%) and in soft drink consumption (17 to 8.7%). By the interrupted series, between 2015 and 2021, there was stability in the prevalence of diabetes, female smokers, overweight among men, obesity in the total and male population, and soft drink consumption.

CONCLUSION

Over the years, there have been changes and worsening in the indicators analyzed, such as an increase in diabetes, alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity, which reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring and sustainability programs to promote the health, especially in the context of economic crisis, austerity, and COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand and use of health services by Brazilian adolescents, according to the National School Health Survey 2019

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the demand and use of health services by Brazilian adolescents, according to sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with data from the 2019 National School Health Survey, that assessed 124,898 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. The crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (RPaj) by sex, age, and school administrative status and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for the variables "search for a service or health professional", "search for a Basic Health Unit" and "assistance at the Basic Health Unit", using Poisson regression with robust variance.

RESULTS

The demand for a health service was reported by 56.56% (95%CI 55.82-57.29) of the adolescents and was lower among male students (RPaj: 0.95; 95%CI 0.94-0.95); those with black skin color (RPaj: 0.95; 95%CI 0.94-0.97), brown skin color (RPaj: 0.97; 95%CI 0.96-0.98), yellow skin color and indigenous ethnicity (RPaj: 0.95; 95%CI 0.94-0.97); public school students (RPaj: 0.90; 95%CI 0.89-0.90); and rural residents (RPaj: 0.96; 95%CI 0.94-0.98). A Basic Health Unit was the service sought by 74.08% (95%CI 73.21-74.94) of adolescents, more frequently among students of brown skin color (RPaj: 1.06; 95%CI 1.03-1.08), from public schools (RPaj: 1.32; 95%CI 1.29-1.35) and residing in rural areas (RPaj: 1.05; 95%CI 1,01-1,09). The main reason for seeking the Basic Health Unit was vaccination (27,93%; 95%CI 27,07-28,81).

CONCLUSION

More than half of the adolescents searched for a health service, which means that this group has a high demand. However, health inequalities still persist and point to the importance of health care planning, reception conditions, and the quality of care provided.

A produção científica baseada na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE)

Objetivo: identificar as produções científicas publicadas que utilizaram os resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) como fonte de dados. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, desenvolvida com base nas recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews e do método proposto pela Joanna Briggs Institute. Foram incluídos na revisão estudos quantitativos ou qualitativos, em inglês, espanhol e português, publicados a partir de 2009. Para o processo de sistematização e apresentação dos resultados, considerou-se as seguintes variáveis: ano de publicação; idioma; autoria; vinculação institucional do primeiro autor; palavras-chave; categorias temáticas e periódico onde foi publicado o estudo. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados, a partir do levantamento das frequências absolutas e relativas para cada variável. Resultados: foram incluídos nesta revisão 131 estudos publicados entre 2010 e 2021. Em 2014, 2018 e 2021 houve um aumento expressivo do quantitativo de publicações. A maioria dos estudos foram publicados na Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia, Ciência & Saúde Coletiva e Cadernos de Saúde Pública. A principal categoria temática foi referente aos “Fatores de Risco e de Proteção para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis”. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciam a importância da PeNSE para ampliação do conhecimento sobre as diversas pesquisas e seu impacto na produção científica brasileira. Portanto, reforça-se a necessidade da continuidade da PeNSE, seguindo sua periodicidade trianual e com coerência metodológica para que se tenha a continuidade e o monitoramento dos indicadores ao longo dos anos.

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in eating habits of Brazilian adolescents

Introduction

The social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic influenced lifestyle and modified dietary patterns. Our objective was to evaluate the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), and ultra-processed foods (UPF), before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify the sociodemographic factors associated.

Methods

This study used data from the "Convid Adolescents", a survey on health behaviors that were collected through an online questionnaire self-completed by 9.470 adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age during the pandemic in Brazil in 2020. Individuals were invited to participate through a chain-sampling procedure called "virtual snowballing". Information about FV, and UPF consumption before and during the pandemic period were reported. The independent variables used were sex, age group, race/color of skin, kind of school, education level of the mother, region of Brazil, financial difficulties during the pandemic, food insecurity, and social restrictions. Logistic regression models were used.

Results

There was a reduction in the low consumption of FV (83.5% to 80.3%) and there was no significant difference in the high consumption of UPF (38.9% to 38.1%) before and during the pandemic. The incidence of low consumption of FV and high consumption of UPF during the pandemic was 20% and 13.8%, respectively. Girls, private school adolescents, who reported having food insecurity and financial difficulties during the pandemic were the most affected subgroups.

Conclusions

Despite little change in the prevalence of FV and UPF consumption before and during the pandemic, the incidence of high consumption of UPF and low FV consumption was high, and it identified in specific population subgroups.

Changes in prevalence and in educational inequalities in Brazilian health behaviors between 2013 and 2019

Considering the relevance of health behaviors for chronic diseases prevalence and mortality and the increase in income concentration observed in the world and in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in the prevalence and in the educational inequalities of Brazilian adult health behaviors between 2013 and 2019. We analyzed data of 49,025 and 65,803 adults (18-59 years of age) from the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), 2013 and 2019. Prevalence of health behaviors (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, physical activity and sedentarism) were estimated for three educational strata, for both surveys. Prevalence ratios (PR) between year of survey and between educational strata were estimated by Poisson regression models. Significant reductions were found in the prevalence of smoking, physical inactivity, sedentarism, insufficient consumption of fruits, and the excessive consumption of sweetened beverages. However, an increase was observed in alcohol consumption and binge drinking; vegetable consumption remained stable. Contrasting the favorable change in some behaviors, inequalities among schooling strata remained very high in 2019, specially for smoking (PR = 2.82; 95%CI: 2.49-3.20), passive smoking (PR = 2.88; 95%CI: 2.56-3.23) and physical inactivity (PR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.92-2.13). There was a significant increase in the educational inequality regarding physical inactivity (21%), insufficient intake of fruit (8%) and in the frequent consumption of sweetened beverages (32%). The persistence and enlargement of inequalities highlight the behaviors and social segments that should be special targets for policies and programs focused in promoting healthy lifestyles.

Fatores de risco e proteção para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre escolares brasileiros

Objetivo: Descrever as prevalências de fatores de risco e de proteção para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) em adolescentes brasileiros em 2019 e compará-las às de 2015. Método: Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar. Estimou-se as prevalências e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) dos indicadores de alimentação, atividade física e uso de drogas, segundo sexo, instituição de ensino e Unidade da Federação. Resultados: Em 2019, o consumo de frutas foi 26,9% (IC95% 26,3-27,6), de verduras e legumes 28,8% (IC95% 28,2-29,4), de ultraprocessados 97,3% (IC95% 97,1-97,6) e de guloseimas 32,8% (IC95% 32,1-33,4). Apenas 28,3% (IC95% 27,4-28,8) praticaram atividade física. O fumo entre os adolescentes totalizou 6,8% (IC95% 6,3-7,3) e o consumo de álcool 28,1% (IC95% 27,3-28,8). Ao comparar 2015 com 2019, observou uma redução do consumo de frutas (2015: 30,9% - IC95% 29,6-32,3; 2019: 26,9% - IC95% 26,3-27,6), refrigerante (2015: 27,2% - IC95% 25,6-28,9; 2019: 17,2% - IC95% 16,6-17,8), guloseimas (2015: 40,6% - IC95% 39,0-42,1; 2019: 32,8% - IC95% 32,1-33,4), de atividade física (2015: 31,6% - IC95% 30,1-33,2; 2019: 28,1% - IC95% 27,4-28,8) e aumento da embriaguez (2015: 27,2% - IC95% 25,4-28,9; 2019: 47,0% - IC95% 46,0-47,9). Conclusão: Os adolescentes estão expostos aos fatores de risco para as DCNT. Esses resultados reforçam a importância das estratégias e ações para promoção da saúde dos adolescentes, especialmente por ser um grupo em fase de grandes transformações psicobiológicas e sociais.

Indicators related to smoking cessation in Brazil, National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019 editions

OBJECTIVE

To describe the indicators of smoking cessation in 2013 and 2019 for Brazil and federative units, according to sociodemographic variables, collected in the National Health Survey (PNS).

METHODS

Cross-sectional, population-based and descriptive study with data from the 2013 and 2019 PNS, a household survey collected by trained interviewers. The prevalence of ex-smokers and the proportion of smokers who tried to quit smoking in the 12 months prior to the interview, and respective confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated, according to sociodemographic variables. Additionally, the percentage variation between the years was calculated.

RESULTS

In 2013, the prevalence of ex-smokers was 17.5% (95%CI 16.9;18.0) and, in 2019, 26.6% (95%CI 26.1;27.2). In 2013, 51.1% tried to quit smoking (95%CI 49.3;52.9) and, in 2019, 46.6% (95%CI 45.0;48.3).

CONCLUSION

It is important to strengthen and maintain strategies for coping with tobacco use in Brazil, to increase the current smoker's willingness and ability to quit smoking.

The COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian metropolis: repercussion on food prices

We analyzed the impact of the efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic on the prices of food sold by a food supply center located in the sixth largest city in Brazil. We examined the percentage change in the prices of 20 types of foods, adjusted by market conditions, using municipal contingency plan stages to compare opening and closing of non-essential services, including bars and restaurants (stage 1: first phase of essential services-only; stage 2: flexibilization; and stage 3: second phase of essential services-only with a "pre-pandemic" period [stage 0]). Log-prices were lower in all contingency stages for leafy greens (variation: 42% to 56%) and vegetables (variation: 28% to 40%). Log-prices of eggs and fruit were 20% and 16% lower during stages 1 and 3, respectively. Strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic lowered the prices of eggs, fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables regardless of the market conditions. Accordingly, the supply and demand for fresh and minimally processed foods were affected by the economic crisis and difficulties to access and/or buy perishable foods more often. The impacts of efforts to defeat the pandemic must ensure the human right to adequate food, considering that low prices do not necessarily indicate food security.

Socioeconomic inequalities related to noncommunicable diseases and their limitations: National Health Survey, 2019

OBJECTIVE

to analyze socioeconomic inequalities in the self-reported prevalence of NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and their disabilities in the Brazilian adult population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with data from the National Health Survey carried out in 2019. The self-reported prevalences of individuals with some noncommunicable diseases were calculated, according to sociodemographic characteristics; and the prevalence and prevalence ratio of these diseases and degrees of disability, according to education and possession of a private health plan.

RESULTS

47.6% of the population reported having at least one noncommunicable diseases. Noncommunicable diseases increased progressively with age and were more prevalent in women (PR 1.13; 95%CI 1.1-1.15), in black (PR 1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1, 06) or brown individuals (PR 1.05; 95%CI 1.01-1.09), illiterate or with incomplete elementary education (PR 1.12; 95%CI 1.08-1.16), in the Southeast (PR 1.10; 95%CI 1.05-1.14) and the South (PR 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.12) and among individuals who do not have private health insurance (PR 1.02; 95%CI 1.0-1.05). For the majority of noncommunicable diseases investigated, the highest reports of disabilities were among those with low education and without health insurance.

CONCLUSION

adults with less education and without private health plans have a higher prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and a higher degree of disability. Thus, it is important to analyze health indicators in the face of different populations and disparities, in order to understand and monitor health inequalities.