Riadh Allani
Cardiovascular Diseases Epidemiology and Prevention Laboratory, Tunisia
Title: Socio-economic determinants of obesity in Ariana (Tunisia) in 2009
Biography
Biography: Riadh Allani
Abstract
Obesity is a determinant of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It is associated to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as reduced life expectancy. Data related to socioeconomic determinants of obesity in Tunisia remains scarce. This paper aims to estimate the obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence in Ariana in 2009 and to analyze their evolution in terms of socio-economic parameters. "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%. Obesity prevalence was 24.2%. It was 27.5% in women against 17.2% in men and increased with age up to 65 years in both gender (39.9% against 32.7% in men). It evolved inversely to the improvement (inactive: 26.3%). It was more pronounced among non-smokers (28.3%), non-alcohol drinkers (25.3%), hypertension (45.5%) and hyperlipidemia (42.1%). Abdominal obesity prevalence was 48.4% and ranged in the same direction as overall obesity based on factors studied. It was more marked in diabetic patients. People considering themselves thin or normal weight, had central obesity in respectively, 9.3 and 24.2%. The prevalence of obesity in Ariana remains high; this underlines the need for multidisciplinary care. Priority will be to implement prevention strategies involving the promotion of healthy lifestyles.