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

Abstract

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.