Obésité, asthme, maladies bucco-dentaires et confinement

Abstract

Obesity poses a growing threat to public health in Algeria. The onset of obesity is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, with chronic diseases playing a significant role. Furthermore, asthma and obesity, both inflammatory conditions, have a detrimental impact on oral health. Concurrently, physical activity, crucial for preventing these pathologies, has been severely disrupted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic lockdowns. This comprehensive study aims to elucidate the multifaceted causes of obesity in Algeria and develop effective control strategies, as well as analyze the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on the physical and mental health of algerians. The first section of this work, conducted among 70 asthmatic patients and 60 healthy controls from Constantine, aimed to explore the links between asthma, obesity, and the occurrence of periodontitis, whose inflammatory state was measured by assessing CRP (Creactive protein), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and eosinophil count. The analysis revealed that females were more predisposed to uncontrolled asthma (p < 0.044) and obesity (p < 0.028). Additionally, snacking emerged as a significant factor in weight gain (p < 0.004). Moreover, the use of inhaled corticosteroids to treat asthma was associated with increased weight gain (p < 0.047) and poorer oral health (p < 0.026). Similarly, significant correlations were observed between inflammation (CRP) and poor asthma control (p< 0.046), as well as between eosinophil count and poor asthma control (p < 0.001). The second part of this work, a retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 patient records, revealed a significant male predominance among patients who developed severe forms of the disease (p < 0.005). These patients also had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.000). Our final section, conducted on a sample of the algerian population, assessed the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on physical activity levels. The analysis, based on the IPAQ and GPAQ questionnaires and the calculation of the total MET (min/week) activity score, revealed a significant decrease in physical activity at all intensity levels during the lockdown. More specifically, participants initially classified as highly active and moderately active experienced a drastic reduction in their physical activity to (551.42 ± 1212.27) METmin/week and (60.38 ± 134.44) MET-min/week respectively (p < 0.000). These findings suggest that the lockdown-imposed restrictions led to a substantial decline in regular physical activity among initially active individuals. Concurrently, the study also observed an increase in snacking habits during the lockdown. This three-pronged study has shed valuable light on critical public health issues in Algeria. The findings obtained could have significant implications for patient management and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.