Lifestyle patterns in the Peruvian population: analysis of tobacco, alcohol and fruit/vegetable consumption based on a nine-year national survey

Abstract

Introduction: A population's lifestyle is a factor in public health and general well-being; thus, three indicators are alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and a healthy diet. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the trends and factors associated with alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on the National Survey of Demography and Family Health (ENDES) database between 2014 and 2022. Smoking status was categorized as never smoker, former smoker, current smoker, and daily smoker; alcohol consumption was classified as not having consumed in the last 12 months, non-excessive consumption in the previous 30 days, and excessive consumption. Fruit and vegetable consumption was divided into whether five or more servings were consumed, and it was formed separately into three or more portions for fruit and two more portions for vegetables. Results: The overall prevalence of lifestyles, starting with daily smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and consumption of fewer than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day, are 1.55%, 3.06%, and 91.02%, respectively. Significant differences were found between each of them in terms of age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: The current study observed slight changes in the prevalence of daily and current smokers. Additionally, an increase in excessive alcohol consumption in 2020, followed by a decrease in 2022, was found. The study draws attention to the troubling scarcity of fruit and vegetable intake within the population, underscoring potential health risks posed by inadequate consumption of these nutritious foods. The study not only found significant divergences in wellness practices relating to gender, age, and area but also highlighted how accounting for such elements in public health intervention strategies is paramount by emphasizing the need to consider those variances.

Comparison of tobacco index versus smoking status in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure levels

“…However, according to the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) results, we observe mixed signals when focusing specifically on the Peruvian population. The survey indicated that the percentage of smokers decreased, averaging just over 6% in 2020, before slightly increasing to nearly 7% (3) .…”