Introduction Population surveys are tools widely used in epidemiological studies to produce information needed for formulating and evaluating social policies and interventions in health. The aim of this study was to compare the estimates obtained by different methods of population-based surveys for self-reported chronic conditions among adults living in Campinas in the year 2008.

Methods Data from ISACamp Survey, conducted by the Faculty of Medical Sciences from State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) with support from the Municipal Health Department and VIGITEL (Campinas), a telephone survey conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health towards Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic non-transmittable Diseases in the adult population (18 years and over) were analysed. Estimates of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma/bronchitis/emphysema were evaluated and compared using the t test for two independent samples.

Results For the global estimates, the higher prevalence of hypertension and osteoporosis were ascertained by the telephone survey. Diabetes and asthma/bronchitis/emphysema showed no significant statistical differences. According to socio-demographic variables, a higher prevalence of hypertension was obtained by VIGITEL to men, aged 18–59 years old and who reported nine or more years of schooling. A higher prevalence of osteoporosis among adults (18–59 years) was verified by VIGITEL. Concerning to asthma/bronchitis/emphysema in the elderly, a higher prevalence was observed by ISACamp survey.

Conclusion Except for hypertension, data from the telephone survey provided a rapid alternative to provide global prevalence estimates of health conditions in the adult population in Campinas.