Association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality: a prospective analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality in the Chilean population. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTINGS: The score was based on seven modifiable behaviours: salt intake, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. 1-point was assigned for each healthy recommendation. Points were summed to create an unweighted score from 0 (less healthy) to 7 (healthiest). According to their score, participants were then classified into: less healthy (0-2 points), moderately healthy (3-4 points) and the healthiest (5-7 points). Associations between the categories of lifestyle score and all-cause mortality were investigated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounders. Nonlinear associations were also investigated. PARTICIPANTS: 2706 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10·9 years, 286 (10·6 %) participants died. In the maximally adjusted model, and compared with the healthiest participants, those less healthy had 2·55 (95 % CI 1·75, 3·71) times higher mortality risk due to any cause. Similar trends were identified for the moderately healthy group. Moreover, there was a significant trend towards increasing the mortality risk when increasing unhealthy behaviours (hazard ratio model 3: 1·61 (95 % CI 1·34, 1·94)). There was no evidence of nonlinearity between the lifestyle score and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Individuals in the less healthy lifestyle category had higher mortality risk than the healthiest group. Therefore, public health strategies should be implemented to promote adherence to a healthy lifestyle across the Chilean population.

Multimorbidity and 11-year mortality in adults: a prospective analysis using the Chilean National Health Survey.

Research on morbidity and mortality often emphasizes individual diseases over the cumulative effects of multimorbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to analyze the association between multimorbidity and all-cause mortality in a representative sample of the Chilean population. This longitudinal study used data from 3701 subjects aged ≥15 years who participated in the Chilean National Health Survey conducted between 2009 and 2010. We included 16 self-reported highly prevalent morbidities. All-cause mortality data from an 11-year follow-up were collected from the Chilean Civil Registry. The Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for confounders, determined the association between multimorbidity categories and all-cause mortality. Of the total sample, 24.3% reported no morbidity, while 50.4% two or more. After adjustment, participants with four or more morbidities had a 1.66 times higher mortality risk [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.67] than those without morbidities. The mortality risk increased by 10% for each additional morbidity [HR: 1.09 (CI: 1.04-1.16)]. Multimorbidity was common in the Chilean population and increased the mortality risk, which greatly challenges the health system to provide an integral and coordinated approach to healthcare.

Association of Sitting Time With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality: How Does Frailty Modify This Association?

To investigate how frailty modifies the association of sitting time with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Chilean adults. This prospective study included 2,604 participants aged ≥35 from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. Sitting time was self-reported, while frailty was assessed using a 36-item Frailty Index. Sitting time was categorized as low, medium, and high. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of mortality stratified for the sitting time categories. Over a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 311 participants died, 28% of them due to cardiovascular events. Frail people with prolonged sitting time were at higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 3.13; 95% confidence interval [2.06, 4.71] and hazard ratio 2.41; 95% confidence interval [1.50, 3.64], respectively). The observed risk was higher in women than men. Public health and individual strategies should be implemented to decrease sitting time across the population, with special attention on frail people.

[Reference values and risk factors in the deterioration of the physical fitness of physically active older chilean adults]. / Valores de referencia y factores de riesgo de la condición física en personas mayores chilenas físicamente activas.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness assessment of older adults is essential because it is a key component of functional independence and healthy aging. AIM: To establish physical fitness reference values for physically active older Chilean adults of both sexes and identify the variables associated with the deterioration of their physical condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 342 older adults aged 60 and over. Their physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The timed up and go (TUG), chair stand (CS), arm curl (AC), and aerobic resistance (2 min) tests were evaluated. RESULTS: Performance in the physical fitness tests by age group decreased in all tests as older adults advanced in age. Scores for men were more evenly distributed across the different age groups. The main risk factors for the deterioration of physical fitness were age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (p-value < 0.05). The primary risk factor for men was age and for women age and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of both men and women in the different SFT tests decreased as older adults aged. Age, sex, and BMI were the main risk factors for the deterioration of the physical fitness of physically active older adults.

[Effects of a telehealth-based physical exercise program on functional capacity in patients with osteoarthritis]. / Efectos en la capacidad funcional de un programa de ejercicio físico terapéutico basado en telesalud en personas con diagnóstico de osteoartritis de rodilla y cadera.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth is a novel therapeutic alternative. AIM: To determine the effects of a remote therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP), based on telehealth, on functional physical capacity in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An eight-week TPEP was undertaken by 36 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The control group received printed exercise instructions, while the experimental group received the same instructions plus TPEP using tutorial videos and voice messaging via WhatsApp. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Barthel index (BI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), senior fitness test and with the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS). RESULTS: The experimental group decreased the VAS score and improved tandem balance, three-meter walk, sit and stand 5 times, sit and stand in 30 seconds, push-ups in 30 seconds, two minutes' walk, join the right hand behind the back and SPPB general score. The control group increased the BI score and improved the three meters walking test, sitting, and standing 5 times, sit and stand 30 seconds chair test, 2 minutes walking test and the SPPB general score. No differences between groups were observed for the LEFS scale, BI, VAS and functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: A TPEP based on telehealth has similar effectiveness than a TPEP based on traditional paper-based intervention to improve functional physical capacity in patients with OA. (Rev Med Chile 2022; 150: 33-45).

[Association between educational level and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in Chilean older people]. / Asociación entre nivel educacional y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. AIM: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. RESULTS: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.

[Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with adiposity markers]. / Asociación del fitness cardiorrespiratorio con marcadores de adiposidad corporal: estudio de corte transversal de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Chile 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. AIM: To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). RESULTS: One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.

[Handgrip strength as a predictor of adverse health outcomes]. / Fuerza de prensión manual. Un sencillo, pero fuerte predictor de salud en población adulta y personas mayores.

Muscle strength can be measured through different methods and handgrip strength is one of the most used techniques in epidemiological studies. Given its easy application, high reliability, and low cost, it is considered an important health biomarker. Handgrip strength is associated with adverse health outcomes such as mortality and risk of developing chronic diseases, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer and dementia. There is a paucity of evidence in Chile about the association of handgrip strength with these health outcomes limiting its visibility and implementation in clinical settings. Therefore, this narrative review summarizes the scientific evidence about the association of grip strength with non-communicable chronic diseases and mortality in middle age and older adults.

A healthy eating score is inversely associated with depression in older adults: results from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of a healthy eating score with depression in Chilean older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Older adults from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Associations were analysed using complex samples multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for age, sex, socio-demographic, lifestyles (physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep duration), BMI and clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular diseases). PARTICIPANTS: The number of participants was 2031 (≥ 60 years). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form was applied to establish the diagnosis of major depressive episode. Six healthy eating habits were considered to produce the healthy eating score (range: 0-12): consumption of seafood, whole grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Participants were categorised according to their final scores as healthy (≥ 9), average (5-8) and unhealthy (≤ 4). RESULTS: Participants with a healthy score had a higher educational level, physical activity and regular sleep hours than participants with an average and unhealthiest healthy eating score. Participants classified in the healthiest healthy eating score had an inverse association with depression (OR: 0·28, (95 % CI 0·10, 0·74)). Food items that contributed the most to this association were legumes (15·2 %) and seafood (12·7 %). CONCLUSION: Older adults classified in the healthiest healthy eating score, characterised by a high consumption of legumes and seafood, showed a lower risk for depression in a representative sample of Chilean population.

[Association between physical activity and income levels in chilean adults]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente según ingreso económico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. AIM: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

[Association of adiposity and diabetes mellitus type 2 by education level in the Chilean population]. / Asociación entre adiposidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según nivel educacional en población chilena: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity and education are two independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is limited evidence whether both education and adiposity are associated with T2D in an additive manner in the Chilean population. AIM: To investigate the joint association between adiposity and education with T2D in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,033 participants with a mean age of 43 years, (51% women). Poisson regression analyses with robust standard error were used to investigate the joint association of the education level and general and central adiposity with T2D. The results were reported as Prevalence Ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (PR, 95% CI). RESULTS: Obesity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in men than in women, however central adiposity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in women than in men. Compared with men who had higher education (> 12 years) and had normal body weight, those with the same educational level and who were obese had 2.3-times higher probability of having T2D (PR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.02; 5.39]). For women, having a low education and being obese was associated with 4.4-times higher probability of having T2D compared to those with higher education and normal body mass index (BMI) (PR: 4.47 [95% IC: 2.12; 9.24]). Similar results were observed when waist circumference was used as a marker of obesity rather than BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Women and men with higher BMI and low education had a higher risk of T2D. However, this risk was higher in women than in men.

Association between fitness, anthropometric indices and laboratory parameters in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Aging causes an involution of anthropometric and health indices that can affect physical fitness. AIM: To determine the influence of anthropometric and health indices on the physical fitness of elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, blood glucose and physical fitness evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, were assessed in 140 women aged 70 ± 5 years. The association between parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models. RESULTS: In the regression models serum lipids and the suprailiac skinfold were significant predictors of the up and go test (R2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R2= 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R2= 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R2= 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.

[Factors associated with low quality of life in Chilean adults during the COVID-19 quarantine]. / Factores asociados a una baja calidad de vida en adultos chilenos durante la cuarentena por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The quarantine and social distancing implemented during COVID 19 pandemic may hamper the quality of life of the population. AIM: To determine the factors associated with a low quality of life during COVID 19 quarantine in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SF-36 survey about quality of life was answered by 1,082 Chilean adults aged between 18 and 60 years, who were quarantined by the COVID-19 health alert. Other variables studied were sociodemographic background, nutritional status, lifestyles, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep hours. Risk factors associated with low quality of life were identified by logistic regression analysis for each of the 8 dimensions evaluated in the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The factors that increased the probability of having a lower general health perception were being female (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; p = 0.05), being physically inactive (OR = 2.76 p < 0.01), unhealthy hours of sleep (OR = 1.58, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 1.59, p < 0.01) and eating junk food (OR = 2.26; p < 0.01). For the other dimensions of quality of life, the most frequently repeated factors were being female, junk food consumption, and being physically inactive and sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: There are factors associated with a low quality of life during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chilean population. Their identification could reinforce remedial actions at the government level to benefit the health of the population during this health emergency.

[Older people in Chile: the new social, economic and health challenge for the 21st century]. / Personas mayores en Chile: el nuevo desafío social, económico y sanitario del Siglo XXI.

Ageing will be one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century worldwide. In the last 40 years, Chile has tripled its older adult population. As a result, by 2050 the country will have the highest proportion of older adults in Latin America. This remarkable growth reinforces the need to identify their current situation and to revise what is the society doing to maintain older people as active members. In this context, this narrative revision aimed to describe the sociodemographic, epidemiologic and sociocultural profile of the older Chilean adults. Besides, programs and public policies focused on the improvement of their quality of life were identified.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer]. / Nivel de actividad física y sedentarismo en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer en Chile.

BACKGROUND: One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain. AIM: To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: 3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

[Prevalence of frailty among Chilean older people]. / Prevalencia de fragilidad en personas mayores de Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of frailty among older people could help to reduce its social and health burden. AIM: To determine and characterize the prevalence of frailty in Chilean older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 233 participants, aged > 60 years, participating in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017. Frailty was assessed using modified Fried criteria. Thus, people classified as frail should meet at least 3 out of the 5 criteria (low strength, low physical activity, low body mass index, slow walking pace and tiredness). RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 10.9% (7.7% for men and 14.1% for women). The prevalence of pre-frailty was 59.0% whereas 30.1% of participants were classified as robust. At the age of 80 years 58 and 62% of men and women were frail, respectively. These figures increased to 90 and 87% at the age of 90 years. The prevalence of pre-frailty increased from 43 to 92.1% among men and from 76% and 78% among women from the ages of 60 to 90 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty increased markedly with age. It is important to implement prevention strategies to allow an early identification of high-risk individuals.

[Sociodemographic Patterning of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Derived by Equation in the Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017]. / Fitness cardiorrespiratorio estimado mediante ecuación y su caracterización sociodemográfica en población chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. AIM: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). RESULTS: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

[Prevalence of low hand grip strength in Chilean older adults. Findings from the national health survey 2016-2017]. / Prevalencia de debilidad muscular en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty in older people. AIM: To determine the prevalence of low handgrip strength in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals aged 60 years or more, participating in the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, was carried out. Handgrip strength was evaluated by a hand dynamometer and low grip strength was determined as a grip strength ≤ 15 kg and ≤ 27 kg for women and men, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty nine percent of participants had low grip strength. The average grip strength among 60-year-old men and women was 34.7 and 22.1 kg, respectively. These figures decreased to 28.8 kg and 17.2 kg among 90-year-old men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low grip strength in men and women aged 60 years was 18%. In 90-year-old men and women, these figures increased to 79% and 56.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low grip strength increased substantially with age.

[Association between cognitive impairment and depression in Chilean older adults]. / Diagnóstico médico de depresión se asocia a sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores.

BACKGROUND: Depression has been previously associated with cognitive impairment in high income country populations. However, its association in the Chilean population has not been investigated. AIM: To investigate the association between depression and cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 1384 Chilean adults aged > 60 years, participating in the National Health Survey 2009-2010 was analyzed. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini Mental Examination score. The medical diagnosis of depression was self-reported. The association between depression and cognitive impairment was assessed using a logistic regression. RESULTS: Depression was positively associated with cognitive impairment. However, the magnitude of the association was higher in men (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.02 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.44; 6.61], p < 0.01]) than in women (OR = 2.23 [95%CI: 1.03; 3.43], p = 0.04). Older adults who were diagnosed for the first time with depression after 65 years of age, showed a stronger association with cognitive impairment (OR = 6.65 [95% CI: 2.39; 10.9], p < 0.01) than those diagnosed before 55 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the association between depression and cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to elucidate the nature and potential mechanisms that link depression with cognitive impairment.

[Lifestyles of Chilean housewives. Analysis of the 2009-2010 Chilean Health Survey]. / Caracterización de los estilos de vida en dueñas de casa chilenas. Análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010.

BACKGROUND: Housewives represent a important proportion of the Chilean population. However, there is limited evidence about their lifestyles. AIM: To characterize lifestyles and determine the level of compliance with healthy lifestyles guidelines of housewives in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Housewives from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey were included. The variables studied included levels of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, diet, hours of sleep and smoking. Compliance with healthy lifestyle behaviors was evaluated through logistic regression, granting a value of 1 for compliance and 0 for non-compliance. A healthy lifestyle was defined as meeting at least four healthy behaviors. RESULTS: Housewives aged > 55 years had a higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those aged < 40 years. Housewives were also more likely to report moderate alcohol consumption and were more likely to meet a healthier lifestyle score (Odds ratio = 1.52 [95% confidence intervals: 1.09 to 2.11], p = 0.013). No significant age trends were observed for other lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Housewives had high levels of central obesity, excess body weight and high levels of salt intake but low alcohol intake. Their healthy lifestyles behaviors increased along with increasing age.