DIETARY-INTAKE IN THE URBAN AND RURAL POP ULATIONS OF THE CAP-BON

Background: An assessment of nutriment intake (protein, carbohydrates, fat) was collected from a baseline survey of risk factors for cardiov ascular diseases from the urban and rural population of the North East of Tunisia (Cap-Bon). Methods : 692 men and women, 35-50-year-old, we re examined. The sample was randomly selected on the basis of the 1984 census from the population of Cnp-Bon. A standardized 24-hour recall and a semi-quantative food frequency questionnaire were used. Results : The amount of food consumed differed between men and women (expresse d in absolute value), but no significant difference was shown between men and women when food intake was expressed in relative value (contri bution to total energy intake). The living area (urban, rural) appears to be an important factor influencing nutritional intake. Conclusion : In the urban population, the increase of protein and fat intake (sat urated fat and dietary cholesterol) and the decrease of carbohydrates and fiber intake schematize the trend of dietary habits in Tunisia.