• Highlights

• -The National Survey of Health 2026 will visit approximately 140 thousand housing units in all the states by November 30
• -About 1,800 IBGE enumerators will collect information on health, living habits and access to health services
• -PNS 2026 will allow comparisons between indicators in 2013 and 2019, showing changes in the Brazilian population's health profile
• -Selected participants will have their blood pressure, weight and height measured during the home interview
• -The survey will collect biomarkers by means of blood and urine tests of 15 to 20 thousand residents aged 35 and and biological data collections in capitals and metropolitan areas

The IBGE has started data collection for the third edition of the National Survey of Health (PNS 2026), conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Considered the main household survey on health in the country, the survey will visit approximately 140 thousand housing units over all the states in Brazil by the end of the year.

Throughout the operation, about 1,800 enumerators will collect information about the population's health condictions, living habits, access and use of health services, occurrence of chronic disesases and factors associated to the quality of living of the resident population in Brazil. 

A PNS is one of the most important sources of information for the planning, monitoring and evaluation of public policies in the health segment. The results allow better understanding the country's reality, support studies and surveys and assist actions aimed at promotion of health and reduction of inequalities.

The survey questionnaire covers topics such as characteristics of housing units, profile of residents and health-related aspects. During the visit, the interviewer will apply a questionnaire about the housing unit and its residents. Then, a selected resident will radomly answer an individual questionnaire of the survey, designed for the population aged 15 and over. 

PNS will monitor changes in the Brazilian population's health profile 

The survey gathers information on topics related to health conditions and factors that influence Brazilians' quality of life. Among the topics investigated are non-communicable diseases, women's health, health of older adults, oral health, physical activity, feeding, smoking, accidents, violence, communicable diseases, persons with disabilities, health insurance coverage and use of health services.

In addition to evaluating access and use of heath services, the survey will support the monitoring of risk factors and of conditions that have an impact on the population's quality of life. 

It will also investigate characteristics related to education, labor, income and housing conditions, providing analyses about the relationship between social aspects and health conditions.

Physical measurements expand quality of information

Measurements of blood pressure, weight and height of participants selected for the individual interview will be part of the collected data.

The use of these direct measures allow increasing quality of information produced by the survey and strengthen the monitoring of relevant indicators like high blood pressure and overweight. 

To conduct the operation, workers from all over the country will participate in specific training, including activities aimed at the application of questionnaires, anthropometric procedures and measurement of blood pressure. 

Collection of biomarkers is the main innovation in 2026's edition

Between July and October, a subsample of 15 to 20 thousand residents aged 35 and over, residents of capitals and metropolitan areas will be invited to participate in housegold collection of blood and urine samples.

The expected exams include complete blood count, lipd profile, glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, serology for chikungunya, and lead and mercury levels.

The analyses will allow producing indicators related to chronic diseases, metabolic factors, renal function, exposure to environmental contaminants, and other health issues.

All participants will receive the results of their exams for free.

Participation of the population is fundamental

The National Survey of Health is a sample survey. Each selected housing unit represents a bigger group of housing units with similar characteristics, allowing the results to reflect the reality of the Brazilian population.

The participation of residents is fundamental to ensure that quality information will be produced as well as results that properly represent the Brazilian population's health conditions.

IBGE interviwers will be properly identified with a badge, a institutional uniform and an electronic data collection device. Workers' identity can be confirmed at Answering the IBGE or by telephone at 0800 721 8181.

Learn more about the National Survey of Health – PNS:
What is PNS?
Previous News
Time Series
Microdata

IBGE channel on WhatsApp
Participate in the IBGE's official channel on WhatsApp and stay up to data with all the information produced by the IBGE. Click here!