Epidemiology of disability and participation in Morocco: Results from 2014 National household survey

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, Over a billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability. A good quality data on disability are essential to policy makers in order to establish tailored programs for persons with disabilities (PWDs) based on the specific needs of each category. In low- and middle-income countries, data on disability are very scarce. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of disability and participation in Adult Moroccan population, and its distribution according to socio-demographic characteristics and geographical regions. A national Survey was conducted in 2014, including a sample of 47,275 adult participants drawn from 16,044 households from urban and rural areas proportioned to population size. The sample's socio-demographic characteristics were collected in a face-to-face interview. Then it was screened for disability using the Washington Group Short Set of Questions on Disability. Overall disability prevalence among Moroccan adult population was 9.5%, with important geographical disparities. Older age, lower education rates, unemployment, being single, and living in rural areas, were associated with higher disability prevalence rates. Visual and motor deficiencies were the most common disability modalities, and the prevalence of moderate to extreme disability, that is associated with more significant functioning limitations, was 2.6%. The study was conducted and funded by the Moroccan government as part of a National action plan on Disability.