Hypertension in Tunisian adults attending primary care physicians (ETHNA-Tunisia)

ABSTRACT

The aim of the Epidemiological Trial of Hypertension in North Africa (ETHNA-Tunisia) was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical profile of hypertension in a large sample of individuals in Tunisia. This was multicenter, epidemiological, cross-sectional study conducted in patients consulting primary care physicians in Tunisia. Mean age of 5802 individuals was 49.6 ± 16.3 years. The total prevalence of hypertension was 47.4% (adjusted for age 26.9%). Control of hypertension was only 37.1%. Hypertension may also be underdiagnosed and ineffectively treated. Greater awareness and improved management of hypertension and cardiovascular risks are needed in Tunisia.