Socioeconomic inequalities related to noncommunicable diseases and their limitations: National Health Survey, 2019

Abstract

Objective: to analyze socioeconomic inequalities in the self-reported prevalence of NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and their disabilities in the Brazilian adult population.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from the National Health Survey carried out in 2019. The self-reported prevalences of individuals with some noncommunicable diseases were calculated, according to sociodemographic characteristics; and the prevalence and prevalence ratio of these diseases and degrees of disability, according to education and possession of a private health plan.

Results: 47.6% of the population reported having at least one noncommunicable diseases. Noncommunicable diseases increased progressively with age and were more prevalent in women (PR 1.13; 95%CI 1.1-1.15), in black (PR 1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1, 06) or brown individuals (PR 1.05; 95%CI 1.01-1.09), illiterate or with incomplete elementary education (PR 1.12; 95%CI 1.08-1.16), in the Southeast (PR 1.10; 95%CI 1.05-1.14) and the South (PR 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.12) and among individuals who do not have private health insurance (PR 1.02; 95%CI 1.0-1.05). For the majority of noncommunicable diseases investigated, the highest reports of disabilities were among those with low education and without health insurance.

Conclusion: adults with less education and without private health plans have a higher prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and a higher degree of disability. Thus, it is important to analyze health indicators in the face of different populations and disparities, in order to understand and monitor health inequalities.