Chronic Diseases, Depressive Symptoms and Socio-economic Characteristics Among Older Adults in Morocco: A pilot Study on Gender Differences

Abstract

Objective: Nowadays, the burden of chronic diseases and functional disabilities in elderly people has increased considerably in Morocco. Was to examine gender differences in self-reported health of the elderly, taking into account socioeconomic , demographic and family characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Marrakech province. A group of 368 individuals aged 60 years or older was selected by a non-probability sampling through face-to-face interviews between March 2017 and June 2018. All participants were recruited from four community health care centers in the districts of Massira, Mhamid, and Daouidiate in Marrakech province. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software-version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Most elderly had poor socioeconomic and health status with women being the most disadvantaged. Elderly women were significantly less educated, had no partner and were financially dependent on their children and relatives. They continued to suffer from depressive symptoms, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal diseases (p<0.05). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, marital status [odds ratio (OR)=0.257:0.140-0.472)], occupational status (OR=0.242:0.152-0.384) and number of children (OR=0.399:0.212-0.753), musculoskeletal diseases (OR=2.446:1.372-4.359) and gastrointestinal diseases (OR=2.856:1.392-5.862) were relatively independent predictive variables in elderly women. Conclusion: This gender study explored the socioeconomic , nutritional, well-being and psychological status of elderly residents in Morocco. These outcomes indicated the need for health support and institutional involvement for older people with more attention to the well-being of women.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors among older adults in Yirgalem town, Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

“…Regarding the prevalence of depression, the finding of the current study is in line with studies conducted in Nepal, 53.1% ( 37 ); South Africa, 51.9% ( 38 ); and North Shoa, 54.6% ( 15 ). The finding of this study is higher when compared to studies conducted in Harar, 28.5% ( 13 ); Ambo, 41.8% ( 39 ); Dega Damot, 45.9% ( 13 ); Wenberema, 45% ( 17 ); Ghana, 37.8% ( 40 ); Egypt, 44.4% ( 16 ); and Morocco, 39.9% ( 41 ). Possible reasons for the discrepancies in these results might be differences in socio-demographic characteristics, sample sizes, and measurement scales used.…”

“…This could raise the likelihood of elderly people experiencing depression. This is also supported by studies conducted in Morocco ( 41 ) and Wemberema ( 17 ).…”

Socio-economic characteristics, health status and access to health care in an elderly Moroccan community: study of the gender factor

“…In comparison to their male counterparts, older Moroccan women experience a number of disadvantages, including higher rates of illiteracy (47,8%), unemployment (53,7%), increased rates of widowhood and living alone, and a likelihood of receiving formal pension benefits. Previous research undertaken in low-and middle-income countries has supported these findings [7,15,46].…”