Time trends of risk and protective factors for non-communicable diseases in São Paulo City 2006-2017

Abstract

Abstract Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) were responsible for approximately 73% of mortality in São Paulo, Brazil in 2017, in addition to a high burden of disease, costs for the Health System and a lower quality of life. Monitoring the main risk and protection factors for NCD is essential to transform information into action and support public health promotion policies. Methods This is a time trend analysis (2006 - 2017) with data from VIGITEL - Brazilian Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for NCD through Telephone Interviews with adults (≥ 18 years), carried out annually since 2006. Data from the adult population of the city of São Paulo were selected for the following risk and protection factors: obesity, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, leisure-time physical activity, alcohol abuse and tobacco smoking. The annual percentual change (APC) were estimated by Prais Winstein regression, using Stata 14. Results In the period of 2006 to 2017, the prevalence of obesity increased from 11.3% to 18.5% (APC 4.84; CI 3.56-6.16). In relation to regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and leisure-time physical activity, the prevalence increased from 26.8% to 35.5 % (APC 2.03; IC 0,87-3,21) and 27.5% to 29.9% (APC 3,08; IC 1.12-5.08), respectively. Regarding smoking, the prevalence decreased from 18.8% to 14.2% (APC-3.83; IC-5,64- -1.98). However, alcohol abuse increased from 12.0% to 17.4% (APC 2.5; IC 1.42-3.58). Conclusions The analysis showed some advances, such as reducing smoking, increasing regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and leisure-time physical activity. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in obesity and alcohol abuse. It is worth remembering that these risk and protection factors can be modified and are related to the Social Determinants of Health that influence lifestyle, so intersectoral population strategies are necessary to face them, as well as public policies that promote healthier environments. Key messages Monitoring the main risk and protective factors for Non-Communicable Diseases is essential to implement and to support public health promotion policies and programs. This analysis showed some advances, such as reducing smoking, increasing regular consumption of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in obesity and alcohol abuse.