Changes in health behaviors in elderly Brazilians: data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys

Abstract

Changes in health behaviors of elderly people (≥65 years old) in Brazil included in the National Health Survey 2013 (n=7,712) and 2019 (n=15,926) were analyzed. Cross-sectional study compared prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of current and past smoking; alcohol abuse; leisure-time physical activity; consumption of fruit and vegetables. Differences were considered statistically significant at the 5% level. All positive health behaviors increased significantly over the period. The consumption of fruit and vegetables was the most prevalent, and smoking cessation the one that grew the most. The consumption of fruit and vegetables, physical activity during leisure time and alcohol abuse prevailed in the capitals, with current and past smokers prevailing in the interior. Men had higher estimates of current and past smoking and alcohol abuse. In younger women, alcohol abuse significantly increased. Leisure-time physical activity did not differ between the sexes. Women consumed more fruit at all ages and years, but vegetables depended on age and year. The prevalence of healthy behavior has increased in Brazil. However, individual and contextual inequalities have remained and affect the achievement of more positive levels of health.