Temporal Trend of the Prevalence of Modifiable Risk Factors of Stroke: An Ecological Study of Brazilians between 2006 and 2012

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, including in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of the prevalence of modifiable risk factors of stroke from 2006 to 2012. This ecological study was conducted by secondary analysis in May 2018, using data from the surveillance of risk factors and protection for chronic diseases by telephone inquiry (VIGITEL) available in the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The modifiable risk factors of stroke in Brazilians were systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, abusive alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity. Overall, there was a significant increase in the risk factors of diabetes (beta = 0.30, P = 0.001, r(2) = 0.99), overweight (beta = 0.50, P = 0.002, r(2) = 0.98), and obesity (beta = 0.88, P < 0.001, r(2) = 0.96). However, there was a stability in the prevalence of hypertension (beta = 0.25, P = 0.320, r(2) = 0.88) and alcohol abuse (beta = 0.32, P = 0.116, r(2) = 0.49). There was an increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, overweight, and obesity, but stability in systemic arterial hypertension and abusive alcohol consumption in the Brazilian population.

Automated summary

The prevalence of modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as diabetes, overweight, and obesity, has increased significantly in the Brazilian population. However, the prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension and abusive alcohol consumption remained stable.