Religiosity and depression in older people: evidence from underprivileged refugee and non-refugee communities in Lebanon.
Author: Chaaya M, Sibai AM, Fayad R, El Roueiheb Z.
Source:
Aging and Mental Health, 11(1), 37-44.
Religiosity is an important aspect of the life of older people, particularly in
the Arab region where religiosity is an important part of daily social and
political life. Studies have documented the relationship between religiosity and
depression among older people, but none in the region. A total of 740 persons
aged 60 + were interviewed in three poor urban areas of Lebanon, one of which was
a Palestinian refugee camp. The questionnaire included five items on religiosity
covering organizational and intrinsic religiosity. Depression was assessed using
the 15-item Geriatric Depression Score (GDS-15). Depression was prevalent in 24%
of the older persons interviewed with the highest proportion being from the
Palestinian refugee camp (31%). Results suggest that only organizational
religiosity was related to depression and this pattern was only significant among
the refugee population. Religious practice is discussed as an indicator of social
solidarity rather than an aspect of religiosity. Minority groups may rely on
religious stratagems to cope with their distress more than other groups.