Development of a Prediction Model for the Management of Noncommunicable Diseases Among Older Syrian Refugees Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon

Older Syrian refugees have a high burden of non-communicable diseases and economic vulnerability. This nested cross-sectional study aimed to assess the predictors and barriers to managing any NCD, which included hypertension, diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory disease.  Data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic between September 2020 and January 2021.

The study found predictors included age, no cash assistance, household water insecurity, household food insecurity and having multiple chronic diseases. Primary reasons for not taking medications were it not being affordable and belief medication was no longer required.

The predictors of inability to manage NCDs among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon are mainly related to financial barriers, which aids the targeting of assistance and interventions. Context-appropriate assistance is required to overcome financial barriers and enable equitable access to healthcare and medication required to manage NCDs.