ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The aims of the study were to study the distribution of cholesterol and triglycerides and to assess the prevalence of dyslipemia in Tunisian adult population. METHODS: The Tunisian National Nutrition Survey (TNNS) was a cross sectional study performed on a total of 7860 adult subjects and was conducted on 1996-1997. The TNNS included 3087 adults over 20 years old. RESULTS: The mean values of cholesterol (CT) were more elevated in urban than rural area (p<0.001), and in females than in males (p<0.007). The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (CT > 6.2 mmol/l) was 8.4% and that of hypertriglyceridemia (TG > 1.70 mmol/l) was 21%. The prevalence of borderline high cholesterol (> or =5.2-< 6.2 mmol/l) was 17%; These prevalences were more elevated in urban than rural areas (p <0.001) and increased with age in both genders (p < 0.001). The multiple adjusted odd ratio of the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia showed a positive correlation with female sex (OR 1.40 p <0.01), high waist circumference (OR 2.51 in men and 3.04 in women p < 0001) and urban residency (OR 1.35 p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our study showed the metabolic consequences of westernization style life in our country and should be the starter to preventive adequate policy.
