Health profiles and morbidity patterns among young Algerian men: a population-based study

Background

Understanding morbidity patterns in early adulthood is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases. However, evidence from North African populations remains limited. This study aimed to describe the main morbidity profile and examine its social distribution among young Algerian men.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 1,013 randomly selected men aged 19–30 years attending mandatory pre-conscription medical examinations. Diagnoses were established based on clinical examination, structured interviews, and supporting medical records, and classified according to ICD-11 groups. The most prevalent morbidity categories were identified and their associations with social determinants were assessed using chi-square tests.

Results

The most frequent morbidity group was endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (39.1%; 95% CI: 36.1–42.2), mainly overweight (20.3%), underweight (10.5%) and obesity (7.4%). Diseases of the visual system affected 14.9% (12.8–17.3), predominantly myopia (12.8%). Musculoskeletal conditions were present in 14.7% (12.6–17.0), including disc hernia (6.0%). Mental and behavioral disorders accounted for 8.7% (7.0–10.6), with anxiety-related conditions being most frequent (2.3%). Respiratory diseases affected 6.9% (5.4–8.7), mainly asthma (5.1%). Digestive and injury-related conditions were less frequent (both 5.2%). Urban residence was associated with higher prevalence of endocrine (p = 0.011) and respiratory diseases (p = 0.027). Higher educational level was associated with increased endocrine (p = 0.001), visual (p < 0.001) and respiratory diseases (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Morbidity patterns among young Algerian men are dominated by metabolic, visual and musculoskeletal conditions, alongside a substantial burden of mental disorders. Social differences highlight the need for integrated, equity-oriented prevention strategies targeting early-life physical and mental health risks.

Key messages

• The burden of non-communicable diseases and related morbidity patterns begins early in adulthood, highlighting the importance of early identification and prevention in young men.

• Integrated surveillance of morbidity profiles combining clinical and epidemiological data is essential to inform targeted and equity-oriented public health prevention strategies.