ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF A GROUP OF SUBJECTS AGED 65 AND OVER (MOROCCO)

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the health related quality of life of elderly Moroccans living at home as well as determining the factors that influence it. Material and methods. The data was gathered through a questionnaire survey conducted between 2017 and 2018. Age, gender, level of education, socio-professional activity, morbidity and perception of old age were chosen as variables, and the LEIPAD scale was used to evaluate the respondent’s quality of life, French version. Results. This study included 520 subjects aged 65 and above (277 men and 243 women). The average age was 71.2 years, and 60.8% of them were illiterate, 22.3% employed, 25.0% retired, and 52.7% have never worked. In addition, 57.9% of participants had at least one chronic illness and 42.9% had a pessimistic attitude toward old age. Overall, the surveyed subjects’ quality of life was adequate and satisfactory. The main ratings for the areas involving "taking care of oneself" and "depression-anxiety" were the lowest (23.7 and 28.6). On the other hand, the "sexual functioning" area was the most affected (score=73.7), thus impacting the participants’ quality of life. Furthermore, socio-demographic characteristics proved to have a negative impact on the participants’ quality of life. The highest average test scores were reported by women, the oldest subjects (>-75 years), subjects with low levels of education, without professions and retirees, suffering from chronic diseases and those who negatively perceived the old age, which showed a relatively impaired quality of life. Conclusions. The majority of the surveyed people had a good quality of life. Nevertheless, providing adequate treatment for the most disadvantaged elderly people could improve their quality of life and help them reach the old age in good health. Keywords: quality of life, elderly, test LEIPAD, Morocco.