Chronic Disease Risk Factors Among Adults in Relizane, Algeria: A Comprehensive Study

Background: Chronic diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, are an increasing public health burden in Algeria. Objectives: To investigate the anthropometric, behavioral, nutritional, and socio-emotional determinants related to chronic diseases in adults of Relizane, Algeria. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the period of February to April 2023 on 262 adult subjects recruited from Ahmed Francis Hospital in Oued R’hiou, Province of Relizane. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, and chronic disease status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Results: Overweight and obesity affected 49.24% and 17.56% of participants, respectively, with significantly higher obesity prevalence among women (p<0.01). Diabetes was the most prevalent chronic condition, followed by hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Female sex and older age were independently associated with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, while emotional stress was significantly associated with diabetes (adjusted OR= 2.614, p=0.003). Diabetes was also significantly associated with hypertension (OR=3.02) and hypercholesterolemia (OR=2.88; both p=0.001). Only 17.56% of participants engaged in sports activities. Conclusions: Chronic diseases in adults are marked by a heavy burden of excess weight and multiple modifiable behavioral and socio-emotional risk factors. Specific strategies are needed to increase physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, and nutritional education, particularly among women and older adults.