BACKGROUND: There are not information about the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its prophylaxis in Tunisia. AIM: To report the Tunisian results of a multinational crosssectional study, designed to assess the prevalence of VTE risk in the acute hospital care setting and to determine the proportion of at risk patients who receive effective prophylaxis.

METHODS: All hospital inpatients aged 40 years or over admitted to a medical ward or these aged 18 years or over admitted to surgical ward, in 5 Tunisian hospitals were assessed for risk of VTE on the basis of hospital chart review. The 2004 American College of chest physicians (ACCP) evidence based consensus guidelines were used to assess VTE risk and to determine whether patients were received recommended prophylaxis.

RESULTS: 885 were enrolled, 212 (24%) were surgical and 673 (76%) were medical. 408 (44, 9%) judged to be at risk, 95 (44, 8%) are surgical and 313 (46, 5%) are medical. LWMH are the most used. Mechanical prophylaxis was never used.

CONCLUSION: The percentage of at risk patient in Tunisia is comparable to these of other countries. The majority of at risk patient are medical. The prophylaxis was under used. Hospital strategies to assess patient VTE risk and implementation of prophylaxis protocols are needed.