Abstract

To describe and analyse, according to sociodemographic characteristics, the major risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) in adults aged over 18 years, residing in the municipality of Porto Velho, State of Rondonia, during 2006-2011. Prevalence of major risk factors for CNCDs were estimated within the population aged 18 and over, using telephone interviews with random samples of the population covered by landline telephone service in the municipality of Porto Velho, Rondonia, Occidental Amazon. A total of 12.071 interviews were conducted. Abusive alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity were risk factors that presented the highest percentage increase of prevalence during the period studied. Among men, the prevalence ratio (PR) for tobacco use and obesity decreased with the increase in the years of schooling. Among women, tobacco use, overweight, and obesity were risk factors that decreased in relation to the level of education. It was observed an increase of the PR for both genders for overweight and low fruit and vegetable intake (LFVI). The results showed distinct health behaviors according to gender, age and education of the population; and highlighted the decrease tendency in tobacco use and the increase in alcohol abuse, obesity and overweight in the municipality of Porto Velho.

Key words: Risk factors, chronic non-communicable diseases, epidemiological surveys, health surveillance, cross-sectional studies, occidental amazon.