Scoping Review to Identify Social Determinants of Maternal Health in Morocco.

To understand the mechanism of health inequities and their influence on maternal health, the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) provides a framework to identify structural and intermediate causes of health inequity. This review maps and describes the current socioeconomic determinants of maternal health in Morocco according to the CSDH framework. A scoping study was carried out from six databases (Springer, Web of Science, Pubmed, Science Direct, Jstor, and Cochrane library) based on quantitative and qualitative research done since 1990. Structural factors such as women's employment and economic status, education level, culture, and gender equity were influenced by intermediary factors such as place of residence, age at marriage, maternal age at childbirth, and parity (either alone or in conjunction with other variables). Together these factors worked to influence maternal health service usage or affected maternal health outcomes. Power dynamics were identified in a variety of social situations that impacted access to health care for women across socioeconomic categories. Studies reveal how social determinants impact maternal health in Morocco. Addressing these determinants is required for sustainably improving maternal and infant health in Morocco.

Common Traditions, Practices, and Beliefs Related to Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health in Morocco.

The cultural context influences women's antenatal care and postpartum knowledge. This study aims to determine the traditional practices related to maternal health in Morocco. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 37 women from three different Moroccan regions on the first postpartum day. We used thematic content to analyze data, and an a priori coding framework was created utilizing the pertinent literature. Beliefs regarding pregnancy and postpartum positively affect maternal health, such as family support, prolonged rest for health recovery, and specific dietary precautions according to the mode of delivery of the new mother. However, some practices may negatively affect maternal health, such as cold postpartum treatment through traditional medicine and not seeking prenatal care after the first pregnancy experience. Such practices include painting newborns with henna, using kohl and oil to hasten the umbilical cord's descent, and producing solutions based on chicken throat to cure respiratory ailments in newborns that might harm their health.

In vitro genotoxicity of wastewaters from the town of Settat, Morocco.

In recent years, the town of Settat has seen a considerable industrial growth, which has resulted in increased environmental pollution. This includes pollution by household and industrial wastewaters, which are released into the Boumoussa River without any preliminary treatment. The river valley crosses the community of Mzamza 8 km to the north of the town. Years of drought forced members of the community to use this polluted ground water for irrigation and put themselves and the environment at risk.The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and metal profile of Settat wastewaters and to assess their impact on the water table. The second objective was to investigate the genotoxic potential of wastewater on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro, using the micronucleus test and cellular proliferation index.This study demonstrated significant pollution of Boumoussa valley groundwater and of the local wells. Sampled water induced a clear increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells and a lower cell proliferation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.

In vitro genotoxicity of Settat town landfill leachate, Morocco.

With the increasing use of landfill sites, leachates produced by uncontrolled waste disposal have became a serious threat for the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of leachate and of well water sampled close to the town of Settat in Morocco using the micronucleus test and proliferation kinetics of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. We also analysed a number of physical and chemical parameters, including pH, % O2, chemical oxygen demand (COD), HCO3(-), Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl(-), and conductivity. The analysis showed much higher levels of nearly all parameters than the Moroccan standard. Increased micronucleus frequencies were also found for both leachate and well water. Preliminary results indicate that both types of water are genotoxic and pose environmental and human health risk.