PURPOSE: To describe protection from chronic diseases and the prevalence of risk factors with data from a telephone survey in 2010. METHODS: Telephone interviews in a random sample of adults living in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District with residential landline telephones. The prevalence of these factors was stratified by sex, age and level of education. RESULTS: High prevalence of soft drink consumption (28.1%), fatty meat consumption (34.2%), and alcohol abuse (18%) and low fruit and vegetable intake (18%) and leisure time physical activity (15%) was verified. Approximately half the population was overweight and reported no sun protection practices. Physical inactivity and smoking afflicted almost 15% of adults. In general, risk factors were more prevalent in men, predominantly young adults with lower education levels. CONCLUSION: The results revealed differing health behavior according to socio-demographic variables. These variables should be taken into consideration in health promotion campaigns.
Risk factors; Chronic disease; Epidemiological studies; Surveillance; BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System)
