Population-based health surveys are the main tool for obtaining data on the prevalence of chronic diseases, disabilities and use of healthcare services. Based on the data of the PNAD-2003, this study estimated the prevalence of 12 chronic diseases according to: gender, age, skin color, educational level, macro-region and urban or rural situation of the households. We analyzed the relation between presence of disabilities and use of healthcare services due to the presence of a chronic disease. The prevalence ratios adjusted according to age, gender, macro-region and type of respondent were estimated using Poisson's regression. The prevalence of at least one chronic disease increased with age, was higher among women, the indigenous population, individuals with low educational level, individuals affiliated with a health plan, immigrants from other states, residents of urban areas and among the inhabitants of the southern region of the country. The presence of a chronic disease resulted in an increase of disability and demand for healthcare services. The most prevalent conditions were: backbone conditions, hypertension, arthritis, and depression. The survey detected marked social inequality in the pattern of prevalent chronic diseases related to gender, color/race, education, macro-region of residence, and urban and rural households.
Chronic diseases; Inequality in healthcare; Health survey
