Fruit and vegetable consumption, leisure-time physical activity and binge drinking in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, according to the Health Vulnerability Index

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption, practice of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and binge drinking for small areas of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Methods: Ecological study conducted with data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protection Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases by Telephone Survey (Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico – Vigitel). The prevalence of risk and protection factors from 2006 to 2013 were estimated and the 95% confidence intervals calculated. “Small areas” corresponded to the municipality division into four strata of health risk classification given by the Health Vulnerability Index 2012 (Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde – IVS). Results: The mean prevalences for the period were: about 42% of regular intake of fruit and vegetable, 34.7% of leisure time activity and 20.4% of binge drinking. The prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption was higher in low-risk areas (58.5%; 95%CI 56.8 – 60.2) and lower in very high-risk areas (32.3%; 95%CI 27.7 – 36.9). The practice of LTPA was higher in low-risk areas (40.8%; 95%CI 38.9 – 42.8) and lower in very high risk (25.2%; 95%CI 20.6 – 29.9). Binge drinking was higher in low-risk areas (22.9%; 95%CI 21.7 – 24.2) compared to very high-risk areas (14.3%; 95%CI 11.4 – 17.3). Conclusion: It was identified a gradient in the distribution of risk and protection factors for noncommunicable diseases in Belo Horizonte according to the risk classification. This information can support programs aimed at reducing health inequalities, especially in the most vulnerable areas.

Health Behaviors of Austrian Secondary School Teachers and Principals at a Glance: First Results of the From Science 2 School Study Focusing on Sports Linked to Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets

“…In the present study, however, no remarkable difference was observed between dietary groups (omnivores, vegetarians, vegans) in terms of PA engagement. The close connection between exercise and healthy food choices has been demonstrated by previous studies [ 71 , 72 , 73 ], which seems to be associated with better knowledge and awareness of health and with perceiving a healthy diet and healthy PA guidelines as useful and realistic [ 74 ].…”

Associations between dietary intake, physical activity, and obesity among public school teachers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…Additionally, in previous study among college students in Saudi Arabia physically active students tend to consume higher amounts of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products than inactive students ( 70 ). Other studies found that adults with an active lifestyle eat healthier diets including more fibre and fruits and vegetables, less saturated fat, and fewer servings of fried food and sweets than sedentary adults ( 65 , 66 , 68 ). Furthermore, in the current study, schoolteachers with low physical activity consumed fewer snacks and less red meat than those with high physical activity.…”

Factors associated with cardiovascular disease in the Brazilian adult population: National Health Survey, 2019

“…In the present study, in the bivariate analysis, women had a higher prevalence of CVD, however, in the multivariate model, there was a higher prevalence of CVD in men. Although some studies show higher prevalence of CVD in women 18,19 , most studies point to higher risk factors, such as smoking, inadequate diet [20][21][22] , measured hypertension 23 which has been explained by behavioral and cultural issues and greater access to health services, health care and adherence to promotion and prevention practices among women [24][25][26] . Furthermore, the mortality rate, loss of healthy years of life, and disability due to CVD are higher among men 3,18,27 .…”

“…An important result of this study was the positive effect of LPA as a protective factor for CVD. Regular physical activity is inversely associated with mortality from all causes (including cardiovascular ones), configures a protective factor for NCDs and contributes to improving quality of life, physical and mental well-being, in addition to helping with weight control 1,22 .…”