[Smoking associated with other behavioral risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases]

The study interviewed 1,410 adults by telephone. Respondents comprised a random sample and represented the population over 18 years of age living in households with landline telephone services. Smoking prevalence was 21.8%, higher in males (25%) and in the 18-29 year bracket. Smoking and sedentary lifestyle occurred together in 13.9% of males and 14.2% of females; smoking and low fruit consumption in 12.9% of males and 12.3% of females; and smoking and low vegetable consumption in 5.8% of males and 5.1% of females. An association between smoking and excessive alcohol intake was only observed in males (3.5%). As observed for smoking alone, the simultaneous occurrence of smoking and other behavioral risk factors for CNCD was inversely associated with schooling. Evidence of clustering between smoking and sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and smoking and improper diet thus calls for interventions focused on prevention and the concomitant reduction of major behavioral risk factors.