Dyslipidemia in the Greater Tunis population: Prevalence and determinants

Background: Economic development and socio-demographic changes have led to increased frequency of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases in Tunisia. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of different types of dyslipidemia and to examine their association with sociodemographic characteristics in the Greater Tunis population. Methods: The study included 2712 subjects (1228 men and 1484 women) aged 35-70 years, recruited during the years 2004 and 2005 from the Greater Tunis population. Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol were defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol was 40.8% (34.9% in males and 45.8% in females; p<0.001), 29.2% (31.1% in males and 27.6% in females; p<0.05), and 21.2% (32.5% in males and 11.5% in females; p<0.001), respectively. The prevalence was higher in urban than rural regions. Hypercholesterolemia was more frequent in illiterate women and in men with high education level. Conclusions: Dyslipidemias are common in Tunisians, mainly in urban areas, in illiterate women as well as in men with high levels of education. Profound changes of life style and dietary habits of Tunisians are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.