Earthquake and Aging: Quality of Life and Its Determinants Among Older Persons After the Al-Haouz Earthquake in Morocco.

INTRODUCTION

Natural disasters like earthquakes impact the health and well-being of older adults, who are particularly vulnerable to disruptions. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of older persons after the Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco and to identify the factors associated with it.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted six months after the earthquake in two health centers in Al Haouz, involving 240 older persons aged 60 and older. Researchers collected sociodemographic, economic, clinical, and contextual data using a structured questionnaire that included the WHOQOL-BREF scale for quality of life and the PCL-5 scale for post-traumatic stress disorder.

RESULTS

Overall quality of life was moderately impaired (46.6 ± 6.6). Social relationships scored highest (59.6 ± 13.0), while physical health (43.8 ± 9.3) and environment (41.5 ± 7.8) were most affected. Multivariate analysis revealed that post-traumatic stress disorder (β = 0.098; p = 0.041), housing damage (β = 0.508; p < 0.001), and loss of a relative (β = 0.262; p < 0.001) were independently associated with lower quality of life, whereas satisfaction with social support (β = -0.123; p = 0.010) was positively associated with it.

CONCLUSION

Older persons in Al Haouz still face impaired quality of life, especially those with significant losses or low social support. To improve their well-being, integrated interventions are needed, combining housing rehabilitation with the systematic integration of geriatric mental health services and social support mechanisms into postdisaster response plans.