Religiosity and depression in older people: Evidence from underprivileged refugee and non-refugee communities in Lebanon

Abstract

Religiosity is an important aspect of the life of older people, particularly in the Arab region where religiosity is an important part of daily social and political life. Studies have documented the relationship between religiosity and depression among older people, but none in the region. A total of 740 persons aged 60 + were interviewed in three poor urban areas of Lebanon, one of which was a Palestinian refugee camp. The questionnaire included five items on religiosity covering organizational and intrinsic religiosity. Depression was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Score (GDS-15). Depression was prevalent in 24% of the older persons interviewed with the highest proportion being from the Palestinian refugee camp (31%). Results suggest that only organizational religiosity was related to depression and this pattern was only significant among the refugee population. Religious practice is discussed as an indicator of social solidarity rather than an aspect of religiosity. Minority groups may rely on religious stratagems to cope with their distress more than other groups.

Health Perception and Health Behaviors of Elder Tibetans Living in India and Switzerland

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Religiosity, Social Support, and Health among the Elderly in Kuwait

“…As confirmed by Chaaya, Sibai, Fayad, and El-Roueiheb (2007), religiosity is an important aspect in the life of the elderly in Arab countries in general. It is an important element in daily social and political life.…”

Developing capacities in aging studies in the Middle East: Implementation of an Arabic version of the CANE IV among community-dwelling older adults in Lebanon

“…Most studies in Lebanon have focused on nursing home populations Doumit & Nasser, 2010), on older persons living in refugee camps and 'vulnerable' communities (Chaaya, Sibai, Fayad, & El-Roueiheb, 2007;Saab, El-Roueiheb, Chaaya, & Sibai, 2005) or on policy and macro analyses (Chemali, Hospers et al, 2007;Sibai et al, 2004). Some examine particular aspects of older peoples' lives and health arising as data subsets of larger general population studies, primarily smoking, cardiovascular disease, nutrition, mortality rates, and residence patterns (Chaaya, Mehio-Sibai, & El-Chemaly, 2006;MOSA, 2009;Sibai, Beydoun, & Tohme, 2009;Sibai, Kanaan, Chaaya, & Campbell, 2007;Sibai, Yount, & Fletcher, 2007).…”