Multiple health risk behaviors among young Algerian men: a population-based cross-sectional study

Background

Multiple health risk behaviors contribute to the burden of non-communicable disease and often co-occur in young adults, increasing long-term health risks. However, data from North African populations remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clustering of health risk behaviors among young Algerian men and to examine their association with sociodemographic factors.

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. Data included tobacco use, alcohol consumption, electronic cigarette use, physical activity, and regular walking. A composite health risk behavior score (0–5) was created by summing five binary variables. Participants were classified into low (0–1), moderate (2–3), and high (4–5) risk groups. Associations with sociodemographic factors were assessed using chi-square tests.

Results

Tobacco use was reported by 48.6% (95% CI: 45.4–51.7), vaping by 12.4% (10.5–14.6), and alcohol consumption by 8.5% (6.8–10.4). Physical inactivity was common, with 57.5% (54.3–60.5) reporting no regular sports activity and 22.5% (20.0–25.2) no regular walking. The mean score was 1.49 ± 1.14. Score distribution was: 19.7% (0), 36.0% (1), 26.5% (2), 11.5% (3), 5.4% (4), and 0.9% (5). Overall, 55.8% were low-risk, 37.9% moderate-risk, and 6.3% high-risk. Higher educational level was associated with lower risk (p < 0.001), while no association was found with place of residence (urban/rural”) (p = 0.75).

Conclusions

Multiple health risk behaviors are highly prevalent and tend to cluster among young Algerian men. A clear educational gradient highlights important health inequalities. These findings support integrated prevention strategies targeting behavioral clustering and social determinants of health to reduce the future burden of non-communicable diseases.

Key messages

• Multiple health risk behaviors are highly prevalent among young Algerian men, reflecting an early accumulation of modifiable behavioral risk factors and an important public health burden.

• Lower educational is associated with higher levels of multiple risk behaviors, highlighting clear social inequalities and the need for targeted, equity-focused prevention strategies.