This study aimed to analyze the determinants of neonatal mortality over the last decade (2013–2023), identifying key factors that have influenced neonatal outcomes both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a systematic literature review approach guided by the PRISMA method, this study evaluates 91 papers collected from indexed databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The review encompasses studies conducted globally, offering insights into the evolution of neonatal mortality research and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on neonatal health. The analysis revealed a complex array of risk determinants, categorized into socioeconomic factors, clinical factors, and healthcare access and quality. Notable factors include rural versus urban healthcare disparities, prenatal and postnatal care quality, and the influence of healthcare infrastructure on neonatal outcomes. This study highlights the shifting focus of neonatal mortality research in response to global health challenges, including the pandemic. The findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary approaches to address neonatal mortality, emphasizing the importance of enhancing healthcare systems, improving maternal education, and ensuring equitable access to quality care. Future research should explore the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal health and investigate the efficacy of interventions in diverse healthcare settings.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the integration and impact of total quality management (TQM) practices within the governance of Moroccan hospitals, identifying the main themes and challenges associated with their implementation and suggesting potential benefits. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a qualitative methodology, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals across various Moroccan hospitals. Data were analyzed using Reinert’s classification method to extract thematic clusters, which were then visually represented through similarity analysis. Findings: The results from our study on TQM within Moroccan healthcare institutions resonate with findings from international research, underscoring the universal principles and challenges of TQM in healthcare settings. Alsalamah (2023) found that a variety of TQM practices, notably customer focus and continuous improvement, are intricately linked with employee satisfaction, echoing the importance of these practices for effective healthcare delivery as identified in our research. Originality/value: The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a context-specific examination of TQM practices within Moroccan hospitals, offering a perspective on the challenges and benefits of quality management in a developing country’s healthcare system. The findings present actionable insights for healthcare administrators and policymakers in Morocco.

The use of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) constitutes a cornerstone of Morocco's intangible cultural heritage and serves as a primary healthcare resource, particularly for women managing intimate and reproductive health concerns. This study conducted a focused ethnobotanical investigation to document and quantitatively analyze the specialized plant knowledge held by women in the Settatregion, Morocco for gynecological, obstetric, and dermatological care. A cross-sectional survey via structured interviews with 200 women was employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and key quantitative ethnobotanical indices: Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), and Fidelity Level (FL%). The research documented 27 plant species across 16 botanical families. The Lamiaceae family was the most prevalent (22.2% of species) and culturally significant, with 76.5% of respondents using its species. Management of dysmenorrhea emerged as the most common and consensual therapeutic application (FIC = 0.89), addressed by nine species, most notably Mentha pulegium (UV = 0.78) and Ajuga iva (FL = 97%). Decoction was the predominant preparation method. Deep ethnobotanical expertise was concentrated among older, married women with limited formal education, underscoring the vulnerability of this knowledge system to socio-cultural erosion. The findings not only catalog a vital repository of traditional knowledge but also, through quantitative prioritization, identify key species for pharmacological validation and conservation. This work provides a critical foundation for initiatives aimed at preserving biocultural heritage and thoughtfully integrating evidence-based traditional practices into women's primary healthcare frameworks.