Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the urban population of Soussa in Tunisia

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.