Patterns of behaviors related to modifiable health risk factors among Brazilian older adults: Data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze patterns of modifiable health risk behaviors among Brazilian older adults (≥60 years) using data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on secondary data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys. Behavior patterns were defined using Latent Class Analysis according to four main domains: smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet. Relative frequencies and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for lifestyle variables, as well as for independent variables associated with socioeconomic and demographic factors. RESULTS: Five behavior patterns were identified for each year. In 2013, patterns related to unhealthy habits (smoking), physical inactivity, and dietary patterns (including bean, vegetable, legume, and fish consumption) were identified. In 2019, the findings also involved the same patterns found in 2013, with the difference that fish consumption showed greater relevance in differentiating between classes, although its population prevalence decreased over the period. Physical inactivity was associated with harmful habits, including inadequate diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Age, sex, education level, and race significantly influenced these patterns. CONCLUSION: In Brazil, unhealthy aging overlaps with multiple modifiable risk factors. Understanding these patterns and their determinants enables the development of strategies to reduce health inequalities and promote quality of life and well-being among older adults. A combined approach to risk factors contributes to more effective public policies.