Clustering of Lifestyle Risk Factors among Algerian Adolescents: Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas: GSHS Data

Compare the clustering of LBRs between urban and rural Algerian adolescents.

Data of this cross-sectional study was derived from the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS). A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was filled out by 4532 adolescents (11-16 years), which addressed LBRs of NCDs. Life style behavioral risk factors (LBRs) clustering was measured by the ratios of observed (O) and expected (E) prevalence of one or more simultaneously occurring LBRs for urban and rural areas separately. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association of LBRs as dependent variable with demographic variables (location, age, gender).

The most common LBR was physical inactivity (84.6%: 50.9% for urban and 49.1% for rural). Adolescents in urban areas had a higher prevalence of two (56.8% vs. 43.2%) and three and more (61.3% vs. 38.7%) LBRs than in rural areas. In urban areas, a significant positive association was found between (low fruit and vegetable consumption + physical inactivity) [2.06 (1.61-2.64)] and (high SB + smoking) [2.10 (1.54-2.76)], while (physical inactivity + high SB) [0.70 (0.54-0.91)] showed a significant negative association. In rural areas, (high SB + overweight/obesity) [1.49 (1.09-2.04)] had a significant positive association. While, (low fruit and vegetable consumption + high SB) [0.75 (0.60-0.94)], (physical inactivity + high SB) [0.65 (0.49-0.86)], and (physical inactivity + smoking) [0.70 (0.49-0.99)] had a negative association.

Several socio-demographic factors have been identified to play a role in LBRs clustering among Algerian adolescents. Results of the study suggest the development of intervention aiming to tackle different LBRs rather than focusing on a single LBR.