Magnitude of risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adolescents and young adults in Brazil: A population-based study.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Estimate the magnitude and factors associated with risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adolescents and young adults in Brazil.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study that analyzed data from the 2019 National Health Survey. The population of interest was adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years. Data were collected through individual interviews during home visits. Dependent variables included major risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were used as independent variables. Multiple Poisson regression models were used to assess the relationship between independent variables and risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 10,460 individuals (5,001 men and 5,459 women) were included. Regardless of sex, the most prevalent risk factors were insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption (92.6%) and leisure-time physical inactivity (43.3%). The prevalence rates of tobacco smokers, alcohol consumption once a month or more, and alcohol abuse were 8.9%, 28.7%, and 18.5%, respectively. Regular consumption of soft drinks and/or artificial juices was described by 17.2%. The prevalence of overweight was 32.5%. Young adults, males, and individuals with lower educational levels, of black race/skin color, with lower household income, and residents of urban areas had a higher prevalence for most risk factors. Differences in the determinants were found for some factors. Inequalities between Brazilian regions were recorded for seven of the nine factors analyzed. The most socioeconomically developed regions had the highest prevalence of most risk factors. The high magnitude of risk factors indicates a potential increase in the burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases in a future scenario for Brazil.