Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the urban population of soussa in tunisia

Abstract

Background: With the epidemiological transition phenomenon, Tunisia is now facing the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Environmental and behavioural changes such as the adoption of new dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle, and the stress of urbanization and of working conditions all lead to the rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of the main CVD risk factors in an urban context. For this, we have undertaken a household epidemiological survey of a representative sample of the adult urban population of Soussa, Tunisia (n = 957). Results: This study shows high prevalences of hypertension (blood pressure >160/95 mmHg) of 18⋅8 per cent with an adjusted rate of 15⋅6 per cent, history of diabetes of 10⋅2 per cent, and obesity (body mass index >30) of 27⋅7 per cent [significantly higher in women (34⋅4 per cent)], android obesity 36 per cent, smoking habits 21⋅5 per cent [significantly higher in men (61⋅4 per cent)]. Conclusion: With this profile of CVD risk factors, Tunisia must implement a national strategy of primary prevention and heart health promotion in addition to the efforts recently made in secondary prevention of some chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. © 1997, Oxford University Press.