The impact of socio-economic and demographic factors on non-communicable diseases in Morocco

Authors

  • Houria Lahmam Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Nabila Auajjar Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Hicham El Berri Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Naima Saeid Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Bouchra Mekkaoui Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Kaoutar Benjeddou Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Khalid El Kari Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Slimane Mehdad Physiology and Physiopathology Research Team, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
  • Samir Mounach Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
  • Latifa Belakhel Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
  • Benaissa Attarassi Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco
  • Hassan Aguenaou Ibn Tofaïl University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environment, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Laboratory Biology and Health, 14000 Kenitra, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i8.5375

Keywords:

Non-communicable diseases, socio-demographic, socio-economic, risk factors, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: By 2030, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are expected to overtake all other causes of death in Africa. The prevalence of NCDs and related risk factors are influenced by gender and socioeconomic disparities.

Aim: Thus, this study aimed to determine the impact of socio-economic and demographic factors on non-communicable diseases in Morocco.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were analysed from 4766 adults who participated in the 2017 STEPS survey in Morocco. Data collection included assessment of behavioural and biochemical risk factors. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed.

Results: There was a significant difference between genders in NCDs. Men had higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use (21.2%, 13.9%, respectively, with a p <0.001)), while women had higher obesity prevalence (31.2% (p <0.001)). Individuals with no formal education showed the highest prevalence of hypertension (38.9%), diabetes (10.1%), and obesity (27.9%) compared to those having primary education or more. Adults aged 70 years or older showed higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes than the other age groups.

Conclusion: Morocco has a high prevalence of NCDs. The incidence of NCDs is significantly associated with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. A multisectoral and integrated strategy, focusing on sociodemographic and behavioral factors is necessary to prevent and control NCDs.

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2025-08-01

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