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

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Published Aug 1, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i8.5375
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Vol. 103 No. 8 (2025): Tunis Med Aug 2025

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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

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.

Keywords:

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

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