Riadh Allani
Cardiovascular Diseases Epidemiology and Prevention Laboratory, Tunisia
Title: knowledge and behavior Evaluation of obese in Ariana (Tunisia) in 2009
Biography
Biography: Riadh Allani
Abstract
Obesity become a public health problem in Tunisia. It is an important determinant of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is related to the epidemiological, nutrition and demographic transitions. This paper aims to Study the behavior of obese subjects and to evaluate their knowledge on obesity. "For a healthy urbanization in Ariana city" was the data source for this study. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted among a cohort of 1,326 individuals aged 18 and older, residing in Ariana in 2009. For each subject, an inquiry was prepared. The comparison of percentages was performed using chi square and those averages by Student’s test and analysis of variance. The significance level was set at 5%. In our population, 84% considered that the reduction of salts and sugars in the diet allows the preservation of health. 93% of the responders knew the association obesity - diabetes. 94% of the subjects were aware of the possible relations between obesity and CVD, the ability to prevent obesity and CVD by changing the life style. 88% of the population knew about the possible relationship between lack of physical activity and obesity. This proportion significantly varied according to age (p = 0.009), and education (p = 0.013). 65% of subjects knew that "alcohol is harmful for the health". This proportion was significantly higher among the population aged over 50 years (p = 0.036). These results underlines the need for multidisciplinary care, and most importantly, the priority will be to implement prevention strategies involving the promotion of healthy lifestyles.