Clustering of risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases: A population-based study in southern Brazil

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and identify factors associated with simultaneous risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adults in a southern capital in Brazil. Method. A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out with 1720 adults in Florianopolis, Brazil. The simultaneous occurrence of tobacco smoking, abusive drinking, inadequate or unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity during leisure was assessed. The independent variables were demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results. Only 83% of the respondents did not have any of these factors, whereas the simultaneous occurrence of two or more risk behaviors was 59.4%. The simultaneous presence of four risk behaviors (3.4%) was 220% higher of what would be expected by combining the individual prevalence of these factors (1.5%). The likelihood of individuals having two or more risk behaviors simultaneously was greater in young men, with black skin color, living without a partner, with lower household per capita income, and lower education. Conclusion. It is necessary to implement programs that reduce the risk behaviors for chronic noncommunicable diseases among adults in Brazil, especially between young men with low education and income. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.