Determinants associated with low dietary diversity among migrants to Morocco: a cross sectional study.

Low dietary diversity (LDD) is prevalent among vulnerable populations, posing a morbidity risk. Few studies have been conducted on the dietary diversity of migrants. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of LDD among migrants in Morocco and the risk factors associated with it. In the Oriental region, we conducted a cross-sectional study with migrants between November and December 2021. The sampling method used was convenience sampling. A face-to-face, structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical data. We calculated a dietary diversity score based on a 24-h food recall and assessed food intake. The risk factors associated with LDD were identified using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 445 migrants was enrolled. The prevalence of LDD was 31.7%. Risk factors associated with LDD were: being homeless (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 6.32; CI% [3.55-11.25]), a lack of social support (AOR of 2.30; CI% [1.33-03.98]), and low monthly income (AOR of 8.21; CI% [3.39-19.85]). Public policies must focus on social and environmental determinants. Nutrition training programs should be set up for the migrant population.

Uncontrolled blood pressure and its risk factors among hypertensive patients, Marrakech, Morocco.

Hypertension is a public health problem. Failure to control blood pressure figures is responsible for morbidity and premature mortality. This study aims to describe the characteristics of hypertensive patients followed at primary health care centers in Marrakech. Between May 2021 and December 2022, a cross-sectional study of 922 hypertension patients attending primary health care centers in Marrakech was done. To gather socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data, as well as hypertension treatment features and the care-patient-physician triad, a face-to-face questionnaire was employed. To identify risk factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure, multivariate logistic regression was used. Uncontrolled blood pressure was found in 73.5% of people. The patients' average age was 63.4 ± 9.4 years (mean ± standard deviation), and 524 (77.3%) were women. Tobacco consumption (Adjusted Odd Ratio of 4.34; 95% CI [1.58-11.9]); lack of self-monitoring of hypertension (AOR of 1.69; 95% CI [1.14-2.52]); a family history of hypertension (AOR of 1.58; 95% CI [1.12-2.22]); overweight or obesity (AOR of 1.73; 95% CI [1.15-2.58]); and nonadherence to antihypertensive medication (AOR of 1.58; 95% CI [1.05-2.38]) were identified as risk factors for uncontrolled blood pressure. In hypertensive individuals, the percentage of uncontrolled blood pressure is considerable. It is essential to provide therapeutic education classes for hypertension patients in order to strengthen their power and autonomy in managing their hypertension.

The prevalence and risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms among migrants in Morocco.

Humanitarian migration can result in mental health issues among migrants. The objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among migrants and their risk factors. A total of 445 humanitarian migrants in the Orientale region were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used in face-to-face interviews to collect socio-demographic, migratory, behavioral, clinical, and paraclinical data. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression symptoms. Risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 39.1%, and the prevalence of depression symptoms was 40.0%. Diabetes, refugee status, overcrowding in the home, stress, age between 18 and 20 years, and low monthly income were associated with anxiety symptom. The associated risk factors for depression symptoms were a lack of social support and a low monthly income. Humanitarian migrants have a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Public policies should address socio-ecological determinants by providing migrants with social support and adequate living conditions.

Disease burden among migrants in Morocco in 2021: A cross­sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Morocco, traditionally an emigration country, has evolved into not only a transit country to Europe but also a country of residence for an increasing number of migrants, with 102,400 migrants in 2019. This is due to its geographic location, the induced effects of its "African policy," and the various laws adopted by Moroccan legislators in recent years. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of communicable and noncommunicable diseases among migrants such as Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), diabetes, and hypertension. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Oujda, Morocco, between November and December 2021. Face-to-face interviews with enrolled migrants aged 18 years and over, present in Oujda and attending an association, were carried out to collect socio-demographic data, lifestyle behaviors, and clinical parameters. Diabetes and hypertension were the primary outcomes. The Pearson's chi-squared test and the student's t-test were used to assess the bivariate associations between primary outcomes and categorical and continuous variables. In a multivariate model, we adjusted for predictors that were significant (p-value ≤0.05) in bivariate analysis to estimate Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: There were 495 migrants enrolled, with a male/female ratio of two and an average age of 27.3±11.5 years (mean±standard deviation), ranging from 18 to 76 years. Hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes, and hypertension were found in 1%, 0.2%, 3.8%, and 27.7% of the population, respectively. Family history of diabetes was a risk factor for diabetes in the Oujda migrant population, with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 5.36; CI% [1.23-23.28]. Age (AOR of 1.1; CI% [1.06-1.13]) and African origin (AOR of 3.07; CI% [1.06-8.92]) were identified as risk factors for hypertension. CONCLUSION: Migrants in Oujda are healthy. The high prevalence of hypertension, as well as the presence of HCV and HIV positive cases, emphasizes the importance of routine screening for hypertension, HCV, and HIV in order to detect and treat these diseases as early as possible.

Prevalence and determinants of intercourse without condoms among migrants and refugees in Morocco, 2021: a cross-sectional study.

With the world's migratory flow, the risk of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among migrants is increasing. The prevalence of intercourse without condoms with a casual or commercial sex partner, a high-risk sexual behavior for HIV infection, is unknown among migrants. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intercourse without condoms among migrants and the risk factors associated with not using condoms. In Oujda, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 416 sexually active migrants. We used a multistage sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants to collect socio-demographic information, disease perception, behavioral habits, sexual behavioral habits, and para-clinical parameters. A multivariate logistical regression analysis identified the risk factors associated with high-risk HIV sexual behaviors. The prevalence of intercourse without condoms with a casual or commercial sex partner was 72.8%, with a median age of 25.0 years, and 212 (69.9%) were males. The prevalence of HIV was 0.2%. Being homeless, having difficulty obtaining condoms, and only having a basic education were all risk factors for these sexual behaviors. Migrants with precarious living conditions are at increased risk of having intercourse without condoms. This group must be prioritized by strengthening public health programs targeting the health of migrants as well as the intervention of thematic non-governmental organizations. Vigilant monitoring of the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations, should be a high priority in Morocco.