Weight perception and mental health disorders among adolescents of central-eastern Tunisia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The physical changes that accompany the onset of puberty demand a constant restructuring of the adolescent's perception of their body and may influence adolescents' mental health.

Aim: To describe weight status perception and its association with socio-demographic characteristics (SDC) and mental health disorders among adolescents in a low and middle-income country (LMIC).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in high schools in the urban area of the governorate of Sousse, Tunisia in 2018.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and genotypes in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A scoping review 2017-2024.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge, claiming the lives of millions annually and having a significant impact on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary causative agent, plays a central role, with regional variations in prevalence. The process from HPV infection to neoplastic changes takes 5-25 years to occur, hence, knowing its prevalence in our community is vital.

Cross-sectional study of co-occurring addiction problems among high school students in Tunisia.

Background: Addictive behaviours are a major public health problem, especially among adolescents, who are susceptible to experiencing multiple co-occurring addictions.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of addiction problems and co-occurrences of addictive behaviours (substance abuse, problematic video gaming and social media addiction) and disorders among high school students in Sousse, Tunisia.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in public high schools, in the urban area of Sousse, Tunisia.

Screening and health education practices related to cardiovascular risk factors among adults: results of a households survey in Sousse, Tunisia.

In Tunisia, despite the implementation of national strategies to prevent some of cardiovascular risk factors, these diseases still represent the leading cause of death. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and assess the screening and health education practices related to these factors among the adults of Sousse (Tunisia). A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1000 households in Sousse, Tunisia.

Surveillance of tobacco use among young adolescents: trends and predictors across three years in Sousse, Tunisia.

Background: In developed countries, there was an overall decrease in tobacco use over the last decades. In Tunisia, a national strategy to reduce tobacco use was set up since 2008. However, this strategy was rarely evaluated.

Effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention educational program in Tunisian premenopausal women working in sedentary occupations: a quasi-experimental study.

Unlabelled: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an osteoporosis prevention program on knowledge and perception of self-efficacy in adopting preventive osteoporosis behaviors in premenopausal women working in sedentary occupations. Results show the improvement in knowledge and self-efficacy was statistically significant respectively (p < 0.001) and (p = 0.

Studying SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy among health professionals in Tunisia.

Background: People's lives were seriously affected by the emergence and the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Several vaccines were developed in record time to overcome this pandemic. However, putting an end to this public health problem requires substantial vaccination coverage rate.

Effectiveness of a 3-year community-based intervention for blood pressure reduction among adults: a repeated cross-sectional study with a comparison area.

Raised blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a 3-year community-based healthy lifestyle promotion intervention at a neighbourhood level for blood pressure reduction among adults in the context of a political transition. We conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys including 1880 (940 from each area) participants at baseline and 1977 (1001 in the intervention area; 976 comparison area) participants at follow-up.

The prevalence of high blood pressure and its determinants among Tunisian adolescents.

Hypertension can originate in childhood and remain undetected unless special screening is performed. The burden of hypertension in adolescents in Tunisia is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of blood pressure (BP) within the hypertension range and its association with other risk factors among Tunisian adolescents.

Reversibility of pancreatic β-cells dysfunction after vitamin D and calcium supplementation: a pilot study in a population of obese and prepubescent North-African children.

The mechanisms of diabetogenesis in children remain largely obscure. This study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β-cells function in terms of insulin secretion and sensitivity. This was a quasi-experimental study involving 30 obese and prepubescent Tunisian children (57% boys).

Validity and reliability of a modified short version of a stigma scale for use among Tunisian COVID-19 patients after quarantine: A cross-sectional study.

Background And Aim: The COVID-19 is a stigmatizing infectious disease even after healing. Until now, no COVID-19 stigma scale validated in Tunisian Arabic language among the general population is available. Developing such tools is necessary to detect COVID-19 stigma and reduce it effectively.

The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Aims: The effect of Origanum majorana tea consumption on motor and non-motor symptoms was investigated in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, measured by validated tools.

Methods: Sixty patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and under conventional medication were enrolled voluntarily in the study. All participants were randomized on double-blind to placebo or Origanum majorana.

PASCAR and WHF Cardiovascular Diseases Scorecard project.

Data collected by the Pan-African Society of Cardiology for the World Heart Federation's scorecard project regarding the current state of cardiovascular disease prevention, control and management along with related non-communicable diseases in Tunisia are presented. Furthermore, the strengths, threats, weaknesses and priorities identified from these data are highlighted in concurrence with related sections in the incorporated infographic. Information was collected using open-source data sets available online and relevant government publications.

Effect of a school-based intervention in eating habits among school children: quasi experimental study, Tunisia.

Objective: The present study aimed to assess whether six months intervention program with parents' implication in primary schools is able to decrease morning snack consumption among children aged 6-12 years.

Methods: We carried out a quasi-experimental study with two groups of schoolchildren in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) from 2015 to 2016. One primary school in each group was selected.

Adherence of North-African Pulmonologists to the 2017-Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Pharmacological Treatment Guidelines (PTGs) of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Background: No previous study has investigated the adherence rate of North-African pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs.

Aims: To investigate the adherence rate of Tunisian pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs and to identify the barriers to their adherence.

Methods: This was a cohort study involving clinically stable COPD patients who presented to a pulmonology outpatient consultation.

Validation of the Arabic version of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale in Tunisian adolescents.

Background: Facebook is by far the most popular social network. Thus, it is important to use a valid measuring tool. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS).

Understanding and acting on the developmental origins of health and disease in Africa would improve health across generations.

Data from many high- and low- or middle-income countries have linked exposures during key developmental periods (in particular pregnancy and infancy) to later health and disease. Africa faces substantial challenges with persisting infectious disease and now burgeoning non-communicable disease.This paper opens the debate to the value of strengthening the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) research focus in Africa to tackle critical public health challenges across the life-course.

Clustering of chronic disease risk factors with tobacco smoking habits among adults in the work place in Sousse, Tunisia.

Introduction: The aim of our study was to explore the major non-communicable risk factors (unhealthy diet, sedentarily, alcohol consumption) of smokers and nonsmokers in workplaces.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was derived from an initial assessment in workplaces which was part of a community-based intervention to prevent chronic disease risk factors conducted in 2009 in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. The surveyed subjects were employees in six factories spread across three delegations in the region.

Sustainability of the results of a non communicable diseases prevention program among youth in the region of Sousse, Tunisia.

Introduction: Implementation of a healthy lifestyle at an early age is described as a successful intervention to prevent non communicable diseases. However, successful programs are not necessarily sustainable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 1-year sustainability of a 3-year comprehensive intervention conducted to promote a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren.

Smoking prevalence in a factory in the region of Sousse- Tunisia.

Background: Smoking is a public health problem because of its high prevalence and its serious consequences at all levels.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among workers in a private company and describe the characteristics of smokers to guide prevention efforts.

Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 among all employees of a private company.

Effectiveness of a Community-Based Intervention Program to Reduce Hypertension Prevalence Among Adults: Results of a Quasiexperimental Study With Control Group in the Region of Sousse, Tunisia.

Background: High blood pressure is preventable and is directly related to lifestyle habits such as an unbalanced diet, low levels of physical activity, and tobacco use.

Objectives: This quasiexperimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 3-year community intervention targeting healthy lifestyle promotion in reducing hypertension prevalence among adults.

Methods: A quasiexperimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-year intervention for healthy lifestyle that was implemented between 2010 and 2013 in a community of adults in the region of Sousse in Tunisia.

Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases' risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia).

Introduction: A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs') risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children.

Materials And Methods: We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia).

School-Based Intervention as a Component of a Comprehensive Community Program for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, Sousse, Tunisia, 2009-2014.

Introduction: Combating obesity at an early age, by improving physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors, is vital to the prevention of more critical health concerns in adulthood. This intervention study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based component of a community behavioral intervention on overweight and obesity rates of adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia.

Methods: A quasi-experimental school-based intervention was conducted with an intervention group (in Sousse Jawhara and Sousse Riadh) and a control group (in Sousse Msaken).

Assessment of the validity of self-reported smoking status among schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia.

Introduction: Tobacco use, which begins in adolescence and childhood and continues in later life, is the major avoidable risk for non-communicable diseases and death in the world. Self-reports have frequently been used to estimate smoking prevalence and health consequences. This study explores the validity of self-reports of smoking behavior among schoolchildren in Tunisia.

Attitudes Toward Physical Activity According to Weight Status Among Schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia.

Aim: To investigate differences in attitude toward physical activity in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2009/2010. It concerned randomly selected schoolchildren of colleges of Sousse in seventh and ninth grade.