Brazilian Adult Population Research Articles

Social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013.

To analyze social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian older adult population. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 11,177 older adults who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey in 2013. We estimated the prevalence of five domains of active aging (social activities, civic engagement, leisure-time physical activity, paid work, and volunteer work) according to gender, ethnicity, schooling, income, and private health insurance. Prevalence ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. The percentage of involvement in organized social activities, civic engagement, and physical activity was 25.1, 12.4, and 13.1%, respectively. Regarding work, 20.7% of the sample had a paid job, and 9.7% participated in volunteer work. Women had a higher prevalence of participation in organized social activities and volunteer work; while civic engagement and paid work were more frequent among men. White people were more likely to participate in social activities, volunteer work, and leisure-time physical activity, explained by their schooling. The strata with a higher level of schooling, income, and who had private health insurance showed a greater incidence of participation in all activities studied. The five activities analyzed are challenging for the proposed policy of active aging, as they are marked by considerable social inequality.

Evaluation of renal function in the Brazilian adult population, according to laboratory criteria from the National Health Survey.

To evaluate the renal function of the Brazilian adult population, according to laboratory criteria of the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS). A descriptive study was carried out with laboratory data from the PNS, which was collected between the years 2014 and 2015. Population prevalence of the serum creatinine (CR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) according to sociodemographic variables, were analyzed from the PNS laboratory data. The sample consisted of 8,535 individuals aged 18 years old or older for the study of CR and 7,457 for the study of GFR. The GFR prevalence < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 6.7% (95%CI 6.0 - 7.4), higher in women (8.2% 95%CI 7.2 - 9.2) than in men (5.0% 95%CI 4.2 - 6.0) p < 0.001, and in elderly > 60 years old it was 21.4%. For the values of CR ≥ 1.3 mg/dL in men were 5.5% (95%CI 4.6 - 6.5), and in women values of CR ≥ 1.1 mg/dL were 4.6% (95%CI 4.0 - 5.4), with no diference between the genders, p = 0.140. Results from the PNS laboratory identified a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Brazilian population than that estimated in self-reported studies, with higher GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in women, and reaching one fifth of the elderly. These tests may be useful for the purpose of identifying the disease early on and thus preventing the progression of renal damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

Photoanthropometry of the Face in the Young White Brazilian Population.

The aim of the present study is to describe the simplified facial pattern of young Brazilian men and women using the facial index (FI), upper face index (UFI), and nasal index (NI) in indirect anthropometric measurements applied to frontal photographic images. The images were obtained from 660 adult white men and 689 adult white women aged 30 years ± 6 months, and classified according to regions of birth, as follows: south (S), southeast (SE), midwest (MW), northeast (NE), and north (N). The nasion, zygion, gnathion, stomion, subnasale, and alare landmarks were labeled on the images using the SAFF 2D® software. Based on the coordinates, the linear distances between the landmarks of interest were calculated and presented as indices. The analysis of variance and Student's t-test were used for assessing the regions of birth and gender, respectively. The collected data allowed obtaining the facial profile of the young adult Brazilian population. There were differences in the facial profiles between men and women and also between some regions, especially between the N and the other Brazilian regions (p<0.05). The UFI did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between genders for any of the regions. The discriminant analysis for gender assessment demonstrated higher accuracy when the three indices were analyzed together. In the decision tree for gender assessment, the NI showed better results than the other indices.

The syndemics of diabetes and depression in Brazil – An epidemiological analysis

•An epidemiological model of causal pathways in the syndemic of diabetes and depression is presented.•Depression and diabetes are clustering in the adult Brazilian population partly due to shared social and behavioural causes.•There is an interaction between depression and diabetes in their association with disability.•There is a differential susceptibility to the effect of obesity on diabetes across levels of education and depression.

The association between normative and subjective oral health conditions and dissatisfaction with dental services among adult Brazilians

The prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental services and its association with normative and subjective oral health conditions among adult Brazilians was evaluated. This cross-sectional study used data from the last Brazilian National Oral Health Survey (SBBrasil), conducted in 2010. It was considered a representative sample of the adult Brazilian population. Data were analyzed by descriptive, univariate and multiple statistics (OR / 95% CI), with correction by the design effect. Among the 4539 adults included in the study, 614 (13.4%) reported dissatisfaction with dental services. Dissatisfaction was higher among adults who had any decayed teeth (1.61 / 1.06; 2.44), adults who were dissatisfied with their teeth and mouth (2.36 / 1.39; 4.02) and adults who had reported toothache in the previous six months (1.99 / 1.29, 3.07). The conclusion drawn was that the prevalence of dissatisfaction with dental services among Brazilian adults was low and associated to normative and subjective oral health conditions.

Indication, access, and use of medicines for chronic respiratory diseases in Brazil: results from the National Survey on Access, Utilization, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), 2014

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported chronic respiratory diseases and the indication, access to, and use of medicines, as well as their sources, in the Brazilian adult population. Data were analyzed on adults 20 years and older from the National Survey on Access, Utilization, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), conducted from September 2013 to February 2014. Prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases was 3% (95%CI: 2.7-3.3). Of these individuals, 58.1% (95%CI: 51.8-64.0) had an indication for pharmacological treatment. Of those with indication for treatment, 77.1% (95%CI: 71.0-82.8) were using at least one of the prescribed drugs. Total access to therapy was 91.4% (95%CI: 79.9-96.6), and more than half of individuals with chronic respiratory diseases purchased at least one of the drugs in retail pharmacies (57.3%). The most frequently reported drug class was the association of a corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta-2 agonist in inhalation form, the most common example of which was the association budesonide/formoterol (20.3%; 95%CI: 16.0-25.4). According to our study, prevalence of self-reported chronic respiratory diseases was lower than in previous studies published on the Brazilian population. Nearly half of the population reporting chronic respiratory diseases did not have an indication for pharmacological treatment. Among those with such indication, approximately one-fourth were not using medications during the study period, and for those who were on medication, although access was high, they had to pay for their medicines.

Dietary Patterns and Unhealthy Behaviors in Brazil: The Current Scenario

Background: Along with the epidemiologic transition that Brazil has experiencing in the last decades, the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, diet westernization and physical inactivity, are also observed. It is well known that those factors, alone or combined promote the increase of cancer incidence. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the main dietary patterns in Brazilian population and to measure their association with unhealthy behaviors as physical inactivity, binge drinking and smoking. Methods: The study was based on the National Health Survey data, representing the adult Brazilian population, conducted in 2013. A questionnaire containing 22 dietary intake questions was applied. Dietary patterns were identified through principal components analyses (PCA). Factor scores were divided into quartiles from lower to higher (Q1-Q4) and included in specific models as dependent variables. Poisson regression with robust error variance model were fitted to perform the association between Q1-Q4 and physical inactivity, binge drinking and smoking. The multivariate models were adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related variables. P value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statically significant. Results: Total of survey's respondents was 60,202 (estimated population size=146,308,458). PCA identified three distinct dietary patterns: so called healthy - fruits, vegetables and natural fruit juice; protein - beans and meats; western - snacks, sweets and sugary beverages. Physically inactive individuals, smokers and binge drinkers were respectively 15%, 27% and 12% significantly less likely to adopt the healthy pattern when compared with active individuals, nonsmokers and nondrinkers. Younger individuals (18-24) were 52% (95% CI: 50%–55%) significantly less likely to adopt this pattern, compared with the oldest (60 and older). Younger individuals were 64% (95% CI: 57%–71%) more likely to adopt the protein pattern compared with their older counterparts (60 and older). Being physically inactive, smoker and binge drinker significantly increased the risk of adopting the protein pattern in 12%, 17%, 13% respectively, when compared with active individuals, nonsmokers and nondrinkers. The western pattern was significantly twice (101%, 95% CI: 92%–110%) more common among individual aged 18-24 than in the elderly (60 and older). Being a binge drinker increased significantly in 16% the likelihood of adopting the western pattern compared with nondrinkers. Being physically inactive and smoker was not significantly associated to this pattern. Conclusion: We identified significant associations between the 3 dietary patterns and unhealthy behaviors in the Brazilian adult population. However, the main risk factor related was younger age and the association was stronger for the western pattern. Our study shows that young adults must be targeted in the context of public health nutrition campaigns.

Depressive symptoms, emotional support and activities of daily living disability onset: 15-year follow-up of the Bambuí (Brazil) Cohort Study of Aging.

Psychosocial factors appear to be associated with increased risk of disability in later life. However, there is a lack of evidence based on long-term longitudinal data from Western low-middle income countries. We investigated whether psychosocial factors at baseline predict new-onset disability in long term in a population-based cohort of older Brazilians adults. We used 15-year follow-up data from 1,014 participants aged 60 years and older of the Bambuí (Brazil) Cohort Study of Aging. Limitations on activities of daily living (ADL) were measured annually, comprising 9,252 measures. Psychosocial factors included depressive symptoms, social support and social network. Potential covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, cognitive function and a physical health score based on 10 self-reported and objectively measured medical conditions. Statistical analysis was based on competitive-risk framework, having death as the competing risk event. Baseline depressive symptoms and emotional support from the closest person were both associated with future ADL disability, independently of potential covariates wide range. The findings showed a clear graded association, in that the risk gradually increased from low emotional support alone (sub-hazard ratio - SHR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.45) to depressive symptoms alone (SHR = 1.52; 95%CI: 1.13; 2.01) and then to both factors combined (SHR = 1.61; 95%CI: 1.18; 2.18). Marital status and social network size were not associated with incident disability. In a population of older Brazilian adults, lower emotional support and depressive symptoms have independent predictive value for subsequent disability in very long term.

Access to prescribed medicine in the Brazilian adult population.

To estimate the prevalence and check the factors associated with access to prescribed medicine by the Brazilian adult population; and to describe the distribution of the presence of monetary expenditure for the purchase, source of medicines, and the reasons for non-access. Based on a cross-sectional design, from the 2013 National Health Research data, we analyzed a representative sample of the population that comprised adults with prescriptions written by a health professional, in the two weeks prior to the survey. The dependent variable was the access to prescribed medicines (full access, partial access, no access). Data were analyzed using the multinomial logistic regression considering total access as the reference category. The results showed high prevalence of full access to prescribed medicine in Brazil (83.0%; 95%CI 81.3 - 84.6). Most of the individuals had monetary expenditure on the purchase of medicines (63.9%), and the main reasons for no access were the lack of medicine in the public health service (57.6%) and having no money (11.9%). We found higher chances of partial access among individuals attending the public service (OR = 2.5; 95%CI 1.58 - 3.97). Greater chance of no access was associated with non-white skin color (OR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.03 - 1.99). The results revealed significant inequity in access to medicine, emphasizing the need to strengthen the Unified Health System for the free supply of medicines in order to reduce inequalities.

Alcohol use and associated factors among physicians and nurses in northeast Brazil.

The consequences of alcohol use are closely related to its pattern of intake. The aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of alcohol use by doctors and nurses. Associated co-factors have also been considered. We calculated a representative sample of doctors and nurses from two hospitals in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was employed to assess patterns of alcohol consumption. A score ≥8 was defined as alcohol misuse, and an answer to question number 3>1 was indicative of heavy episodic drinking (HED). In order to identify factors associated with HED and alcohol misuse, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with SPSS v20.0. A sample of 510 professionals was examined and 25% of those were abstainers; among those who had drinks containing alcohol, 86% were classified as low-risk alcohol use, scoring lower than 8, while 10.6% of the whole sample was categorized as alcohol misusers, scoring more than 8. The habit of smoking (OR=6.02; CI: 1.71-21.16), following the Catholic religion (OR=3.55; CI: 2.47-8.58), and also gender (OR=3.09; CI: 1.68-5.71) were independently associated with alcohol misuse. HED was found in 14.3%. Younger age (OR=0.96; CI: 0.92-0.98), male gender (OR=5.13; CI: 2.55-10.30), the Catholic religion (OR=3.22; CI: 1.44-7.21), and smoking habits (OR=5.25; CI: 1.26-21.75) were associated with HED. Therefore, physicians and nurses have a lesser prevalence of abstainers, similar rates of alcohol misuse, and greater prevalence of HED when compared to the general Brazilian adult population. More studies involving these professionals need to be carried out in other Brazilian states in order to determine whether the results can be understood as widespread throughout the country.

Reference values for respiratory impedance measured by the forced oscillation technique in adult men and women.

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a particularly useful test of the mechanical properties of the respiratory system that has an increasingly important role in lung function laboratories. There is general agreement in the literature that thedetermination of reference values is of utmost importance in the clinical use of the FOT. Our aim was to present reference values for whole-breath FOT measurements, establish which anthropometric variables were more predictive of impedance parameters, and provide all the details to adequately adopt these reference equations in individual laboratories. We prospectively evaluated a randomly selected non-smoking sample of the adult Brazilian population (288 subjects, 144 males and 144 females aged 20-86 years). The volunteers were separated by sex and divided into six groups based on decade of age. Sex-specific linear prediction equations were developed by multiple regression analysis using age, body mass and height as explanatory variables. Age introduced a slight, but significant, reduction of resistance in men (P<.001) and women (P < .001). In general, significantly higher values of resistance were observed in females (P < .0001). Among the anthropometric variables analyzed, height was the best predictor for all parameters studied. This study provides an original frame of reference for the FOT in Brazilian males and females aged 20-86 years. Height was the best predictor of respiratory impedance parameters. Details contributing to an adequate adoption of these reference equations elsewhere by transference and verification are also provided.

Food choices to meet nutrient recommendations for the adult Brazilian population based on the linear programming approach.

To identify optimal food choices that meet nutritional recommendations to reduce prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes. Linear programming was used to obtain an optimized diet with sixty-eight foods with the least difference from the observed population mean dietary intake while meeting a set of nutritional goals that included reduction in the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intakes to ≤20 %. Brazil. Participants (men and women, n 25 324) aged 20 years or more from the first National Dietary Survey (NDS) 2008-2009. Feasible solution to the model was not found when all constraints were imposed; infeasible nutrients were Ca, vitamins D and E, Mg, Zn, fibre, linolenic acid, monounsaturated fat and Na. Feasible solution was obtained after relaxing the nutritional constraints for these limiting nutrients by including a deviation variable in the model. Estimated prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was reduced by 60-70 % for most nutrients, and mean saturated and trans-fat decreased in the optimized diet meeting the model constraints. Optimized diet was characterized by increases especially in fruits (+92 g), beans (+64 g), vegetables (+43 g), milk (+12 g), fish and seafood (+15 g) and whole cereals (+14 g), and reductions of sugar-sweetened beverages (-90 g), rice (-63 g), snacks (-14 g), red meat (-13 g) and processed meat (-9·7 g). Linear programming is a unique tool to identify which changes in the current diet can increase nutrient intake and place the population at lower risk of nutrient inadequacy. Reaching nutritional adequacy for all nutrients would require major dietary changes in the Brazilian diet.

Hypertension and Associated Factors in Brazilian Adult Population: National Health Survey-2013

Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem in Brazil, and has been affecting individuals of different ages and social strata. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in Brazilian adult population. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving Brazilian adults aged 18 years and older. Data were obtained from the National Health Survey conducted in 2013. A multistage sampling method was used to select a national representative sample of the Brazilian population. The selected sociodemographic variables studied were: sex, age, race, marital status and education level. Behavioral variables included physical activity, smoking status, self-perceived health status and reported salt intake self-perceived. Body Mass Index calculated from weight and height values obtained during household visits. Comorbidities diabetes type 2, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and chronic renal failure were assessed by self-report. Results: Hypertension increased with age in both sexes, and the men were more likely than women to have that disease in all age categories analyzed. Male sex, older age, not living with partner, low educational level, physically inactive, smoking, overweight, diabetes type 2 and high blood cholesterol were associated with hypertension. Conclusion: These results reinforce the need for adoption and implementation of measures, based on strategies for prevention, treatment and control of hypertension, still present in expressive way in Brazil and different parts of the world.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Brazilian Adult Population: National Health Survey - 2013.

BackgroundIn Brazil, population-based researches analyzing prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), a recognized predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and an important cause of disability and death in the country are scarce.ObjectiveTo evaluate prevalence of MS and its associated factors in Brazilian population.MethodsSecondary analysis of the 2013 National Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey with national representativeness of Brazilian adult population (n = 59,402). MS was the outcome variable, defined from harmonization of cardiology international consensus as load ≥ 3 of the following components: self-reported diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure and high waist circumference. Analysis were stratified by sex and prevalence ratios, with their respective 99% confidence intervals (PR [CI 99%]) calculated by simple and multiple Poisson regression models.ResultsMS prevalence was 8.9%, being significantly higher among women compared to men; in general, this pattern was maintained in relation to exposure variables studied. Additionally, less than 25% of population did not present any MS component. In final multiple models, sociodemographic, behavioral and comorbidity variables were associated with MS, however, while low schooling (1.46 [1.23-1.74], cerebrovascular accident (1.36 [1], 00] (1.28 [1.03-1.62]) were associated among women, chronic renal failure (1.85 [2.23-2.76]) was associated exclusively among men.ConclusionWe identified MS high prevalence in Brazilian population; on the other hand, factors associated with this condition were different depending on sex.

Primary Care and the Hypertension Care Continuum in Brazil.

This study provides estimates of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Brazil and assesses how well different modes of primary care delivery achieve each of these outcomes. Over one-third of the Brazilian adult population had measured hypertension or prior diagnosis. Nearly 90% of these had recent contact with the health system, but only 65% were aware of their condition. Only 62% of these regularly sought care for hypertension, but of these 92% received treatment. Hypertension control was 33% overall, but increased to 57% among those who received all levels of care.

Prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in Brazil: a national internet-based survey study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of chronic pain has been increasing in the world, and it is considered the most underestimated health care problem impacting the quality of life. Furthermore, there is little consensus regarding the burden of chronic pain in Brazil. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic pain in the general Brazilian adult population, and the socio-demographic, clinical, medical conditions and pain locations on the body. METHODS: A cross-sectional Internet-based survey was conducted in a nationally representative sample of Brazil adults to estimate the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates and characteristics of chronic pain in the Brazilian population. Twenty-seven-thousand and three hundred forty-five (27,345) representative residents were contacted. RESULTS: From 27,345 individuals, 20,830 (76.17%) presented chronic, recurrent, or long-lasting pain, lasting for at least 6 months. Nearly half of the respondents were 65 years older (48.15%) and the prevalence was higher in females (84,60%) than males (16.40%). The prevalence of primary chronic lower back pain was 59.85%; of primary rheumatoid arthritis was (59.78%) and primary osteoarthritis pain was 69.02%. Half of the respondents with chronic pain experienced daily pain, and average (past 3 months) pain intensity was moderate at 57.28%. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain affects more than two-thirds of the population of Brazil. Our findings revealed a high prevalence and severity of chronic pain and suggested that it is a public health problem in Brazil. Risk factors are being a woman, advanced age and low levels of household income. There is a need for improved health policies in Brazil for patients with chronic pain.

Brazilian Version of the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) for Young Adolescents.

The present study developed a Brazilian adaptation of the BAS for young adolescents, testing its factor structure by the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), concurrent and criterion validity, and its internal consistency. Participants were 347 adolescents (171 male and 176 female, aged between 10 and 13 years old). Three psychologists experts in psychological evaluation and three teachers of Portuguese of elementary school also participated for the adaptation stage of the items in order to be properly understood by the sample age group. There were few changes from the version culturally adapted for the Brazilian adult population. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were satisfactory for the general population and both sexes (.804; female =.851; male =.752). The one-factor model of the BAS was confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis with good indicators for the measurements of adjustment to the model, χ2 = 77.9; GFI = 0.967; NFI = 0.940, CFI = 0.979; TLI = 0.968; RMSEA;.038). The convergent validity analyzes revealed significant correlations between BAS scores and BMI (r = -.230; p < .001) and between the first and body image satisfaction (r = .309; p < .001). The BAS version for Brazilian young adolescents had adequate levels of validity and reliability, keeping the one-dimensional structure which indicates its use in Brazilian adolescent's samples.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications among 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs of an adult Brazilian population.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological data of digital panoramic radiographs revealing suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications (CAC) from a Northeast Brazilian population.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs obtained from a single imaging reference center in Northeast Brazil. Images from individuals of both sexes and older than 18 years were included and those that did not cover the region of cervical vertebrae or presented low radiographic quality were excluded. Data were analyzed regarding prevalence, location (bilateral, right or left), sex, and age using the Chi-square test at the significance level of 5%.ResultsAn amount of 96 (4%) patients presented suggestive images of CAC. The female sex (p=0.003) and individuals aged up to 70 years (p=0.002) were statically significant. 40.4% were found bilaterally, 37.6% on the right side (p<0.001) and 22% on the left side.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study showed a low prevalence of suggestive images of CAC in digital panoramic radiographs from a Northeast Brazilian population. It was observed a higher prevalence of CAC associated with female sex, older patients, and right side location. Key words:Atherosclerosis, carotid artery, digital panoramic radiograph, prevalence.

Determinants of oral self-care in the Brazilian adult population: a national cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate variables related to adherence to oral self-care in the Brazilian adult population. It is an exploratory study, using secondary data from a population-based survey on a representative sample of the adult population of the entire Brazilian territory (n=60202). The sample was selected using a multiple stage approach. The oral self-care indicator was defined by grouping the variables: periodicity of dentist appointments, use of dental floss, toothbrush and toothpaste, frequency of brushing and replacement of the toothbrush. The scores obtained from the indicator were categorized into adequate, partially adequate, and inadequate care. Statistical analysis consisted of dimensionality reduction, and oral self-care-related variables were submitted to logistic regression. The variables mostly related to inadequate or partially adequate oral self-care were: illiteracy (OR = 11.20, OR = 4.81), low educational level (OR = 3.50, OR = 1.96), negative oral health self-concept (OR=3.73, OR=1.74), absence of natural teeth (OR = 4.98, OR=2.60), edentulous lower arch (OR = 3.09; _____), number of missing upper teeth (OR=1.14, OR=1.05), absence of health insurance (OR=2.23, OR=2.07), sedentary lifestyle (OR=2.77, OR=1.51), and smoking (OR=2.18, OR=1.40). It was concluded that the individual's level of education is one of the main factors for adherence to adequate oral self-care, followed by level of oral health self-concept and tooth loss. Likewise, lifestyle also bears a significant influence.

Dietary Behaviors among Young and Older Adults in Brazil.

To describe healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors among young and older Brazilian adults. Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2013/2014, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Brazil. 59,402 Brazilian adults (18 years or over), representative of the whole community-dwelling Brazilian adult population. Frequency of regular (5 days/week or more) consumption of food considered of a healthy diet (fruit, vegetables, greens, cooked vegetables, beans, milk, chicken, fish) and unhealthy diet (red meat, soda and sweets, meal replacement for fast food and high salt consumption) was investigated. Differences among young adults (18-39 years), middle-aged adults (40-59 years) and older adults (60+ years) were assessed through 95% confidence intervals and logistic regression models with contrast function, considering the complexity of the sample and the sample weight of the research. Less than half of the population reported consuming fruit regularly (41.3%, 95% CI = 40.5 - 42.2) and only one quarter reported consuming vegetables regularly (25.4%, 95% CI = 24.7 - 26.1). Regular consumption of soft drinks was cited by 26.6% (95% CI = 25.5 - 27.6) for men and 20.6% (95% CI = 19.8 - 21.4) for women. Young adults presented, in general, lower frequency of regular consumption of healthy food and higher frequency of unhealthy food when compared to middle-aged and the older adults. Current dietary behaviors adopted by the Brazilian population is characterized by a high prevalence of inadequate food intake, mainly among young adults calling the attention to the necessity for age-specific public health interventions.