Chronic non-communicable diseases in university agents at a public university in southern Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Introduction:
Chronic non-communicable diseases are the main cause of morbidity and have a high potential to disable work. Objectives: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the presence of chronic non-communicable disease in university agents of a Brazilian public university. Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study, developed with university agents from a public university in southern Brazil (n=629). Data were collected by a multidisciplinary health team from October to November 2018 through a structured questionnaire. The dependent variable referred to the occurrence of non-communicable chronic disease, and the sociodemographic, lifestyle and symptoms characteristics were independent. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The prevalence of non-communicable chronic disease was 77.9%, and it was associated with age, with increasing risks from 30 years of age. Symptoms such as polyuria, weakness/tiredness and chest discomfort when going uphill presented, respectively, 3.14; 2.02; and 2.27 more likely to have a chronic noncommunicable disease. A similar condition was evaluated in individuals with pain (OR=4.32) and overweight (OR=1.74). Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic non-communicable disease in university agents was high and was associated with age, symptoms and overweight.