Educational disparities in hypertension, diabetes, obesity and smoking in Brazil: a trend analysis of 578 977 adults from a national survey, 2007–2018

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to assess social inequality trends for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and obesity from 2007 to 2018 in adults from Brazilian capitals. SETTING: Data from the Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey study, a cross-sectional telephone survey, conducted annually from 2007 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS: We used data from 578 977 Brazilian adults (≥18 years). DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys conducted annually from 2007 to 2018. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants responded to a questionnaire about medical diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes, smoking status, weight and height. Educational inequalities (0–3, 4–8, 9–11 and 12 or more years of study) by sex and skin colour were assessed trough absolute, Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and relative measures of inequality, Concentration Index and trends were tested by Prais-Winsten. RESULTS: All outcomes were more prevalent in the least educated. The largest absolute educational inequality was observed for hypertension (SII(total)=−37.8 in 2018). During 2007–2018, the total educational disparity remained constant for hypertension, increased for diabetes and smoking, and decreased for obesity. Overall, inequality was higher among women and non-whites, compared with men and whites. We found a reduction in absolute inequality for hypertension among non-whites, an increase for diabetes in all strata, and an increase for smoking in women and non-whites. The relative inequality decreased in women and whites and increased for smoking in all strata, except among men. CONCLUSION: The educational inequality reduced for obesity, remained constant for hypertension and increased for diabetes and smoking from 2007 to 2018 in Brazilian adults.