Inequities in intraurban areas in the distribution of risk factors for non communicable diseases, Belo Horizonte, 2010.

Objective: In order to identify intraurban differentials, the prevalence of major protection and risk factors for non communicable chronic diseases were analyzed in nine health districts of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods: Analysis of data from a telephone survey conducted with 2,000 adults in Belo Horizonte, in 2010, using the average linkage method for cluster analysis among the health districts, using sociodemographic variables (education, race and marital status). The study compared the prevalence of risk factors for non communicable diseases among the health districts.

Results: Four clusters were identified. The best socio-demographic indicators were found in cluster 4 (South Central health district), which also showed a higher prevalence of protective factors such as higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, higher frequency of physical activity practice in the free time, use of ultraviolet protection, higher proportion of ex-smokers, and lower prevalence of whole milk and high-fat meat consumption. As a risk factor, cluster 4 showed a higher proportion of alcohol abuse. Cluster 1, with the worst socio-demographic indicators, concentrated more risk factors such as consumption of whole milk, low regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, and lower practice of physical activity in the free time. The most frequent protective indicators in cluster 1 were the regular consumption of beans, having breakfast at home, and lower alcohol abuse.

Conclusion: Intra-urban differences were found in the distribution of risk and protection factors or non transmissible diseases, these differences can support planning aimed at actions for greater equity in health.