Quality of Life and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Elderly Survivors of the Al Haouz Earthquake in Morocco
EL Mahjoub EL Harsi, Meriyam Hannoun, Said Bouthir, Fatima Ezzahra Kasmaoui, Abdelhafid Benkism, Mohamed Cherkaoui
Pages 203–207 · 1. Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco · 2. Nursing Care Department, Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS-M), Regional Health Directorate, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco · 3. Laboratory of Morpho Sciences research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco · 4. Laboratory of Biosciences and Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 4000, Morocco
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to analyze the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and quality of life among older adults following the Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in health centers in the province of Al Haouz among 240 older adults (≥ 60 years). Data were collected using a questionnaire that included the WHOQOL-BREF scale to assess quality of life and the PLC-5 scale to assess PTSD. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The results showed that 47.9% of participants suffer from PTSD and that the mean overall quality of life score was relatively low (46.58). The analysis showed that survivors with PTSD have a significantly lower quality of life than those without it, particularly in physical, psychological, and environmental domains, while the social dimension appears relatively stable.
Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of comprehensive care strategies, incorporating psychosocial support and rehabilitation, to promote survivors' recovery.
Keywords: PTSD, Quality of life, Elderly, Earthquake, Al Haouz, Morocco