Burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region of Monastir (Tunisia)

Abstract

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Tunisia. The aim of this study was to analyze CVD burden from 2002 to 2013 in the region of Monastir. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease methodology, cardiovascular disease mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed by age group and sex for all admissions at the university hospital of Monastir, using standardized approaches for data processing and statistical modeling. Data were retrieved from the regional register of hospital morbidity in Monastir and were analyzed from January 2002 to December 2013. Results CVDs caused 519 in-hospital deaths during the study period, accounting for 43.3 % (CI 95%: 40.6-46.1%) of all in-hospital non-communicable diseases-related mortality (n = 1197). The crude mortality rate of CVDs was 8.81 per 100,000 inh. The highest rate was recorded among patients aged ≥ 60 years-old. The age-standardized mortality rate was 11/100,000 PY (14 in men and 8 in women). CVD DALY per 100,000 was 176.4 (199.4 in men and 152.7 in women). The highest CVD DALY was in the age groupe of 60 years and older (929.7/100,000). The leading causes of DALYs for both sexes are coronary heart diseases and stroke with DALY rate of 112.6 and 47.4 per 100,000 inh, respectively. Conclusions The CVD burden was heavy in the study population, in particular in the elderly and in men. Prevention and control of modifiable risk factors should be taken actively to improve health for Tunisian adults. Key messages CVD burden was heavy in the region of Monastir. More efforts are needed to improve cardiovascular health in Tunisian adults.