Background: Depression and anxiety are among the psychological diagnoses impacting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This study aims to estimate the prevalence, as well as the predictors, of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional, multi-center study conducted over an eight-month period among women with breast cancer in oncology centers in southern Morocco. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the validated Moroccan dialectal version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs). To identify the predictors of anxiety and depression in the study population. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, including variables for which univariate analyses were significant with a p < 0.05 value. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi software version 2.2.3. Results: A total of 230 participant responses were collected. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 77.4% and 62.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed the following factors increased anxiety: being younger than 50 years old, not having studied beyond elementary school, having children aged between 10 and 18 and having TNM stage III and IV. The following factors decreased anxiety in patients with breast cancer: good physical functioning (Karnofsky score), satisfaction with social support and financial support. Regarding depression, the following factors decreased depression: good physical functioning (Karnofsky score), a minimum of 2.5 h per week of physical activity, active occupational status, satisfaction with social support and financial support. In contrast, the recurrence of breast cancer was an associated factor with increased depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer is very high in our context. Therefore, routine screening tests for depression and anxiety as well as psychosocial management care are necessary for patients with breast cancer in Morocco.

Background: The Sexual Health Scale (QLQ-SH22) is the only cancer-specific measure of sexual health. It has never been translated into Arabic. In order to envisage effective healthcare strategies that improve sexual quality of life, the validation of the Moroccan version of this scale is a crucial step in exploring the influence of cancer and its treatment on patients in the Moroccan context. In this regard, this study aimed to validate a Moroccan Arabic version among patients with cancer. Method: A total of 280 Moroccan patients with cancer participated in this study from August 2022 to April 2023. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the QLQ-SH22 was performed following the EORTC guidelines. Psychometric validation was explored using the reliability of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Results: The analysis revealed a greater internal consistency for both sexual satisfaction (α = 0.83) and sexual pain (α = 0.86). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated an excellent level of test–retest reliability (from 0.925 to 0.993). The CFA demonstrated high-performing model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.17, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.035, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, NFI = 0.94). The concurrent validity between the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-SH22 confirmed a strong correlation between the fatigue scales in both questionnaires (r = 0.69). This version showed good discrimination between known groups. Conclusions: The QLQ-SH22 Moroccan Arabic version has demonstrated a high level of reliability and validity, and therefore it is now ready for use.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant global public health challenge, posing substantial risks to both maternal and foetal health. Aim: This study analysed risk factors, follow-up, management approaches and obstetric complications in pregnant women with GDM. Setting: This study was conducted in Southern Morocco. Methods: This multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study analysed 297 patient files (n = 120 with GDM) from four maternity hospitals (2019-2023). Data were collected via a standardised form. Statistical analysis included descriptive summaries, group comparisons (Chi-square, Fisher’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U) and logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) using SPSS version 27. Results: Gestational diabetes mellitus screening was inconsistent: only 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.5% – 25.6%) of women were screened before 24 weeks of amenorrhea, and 38% (95% CI: 29.8% – 47.5%) between 24 weeks and 28 weeks. The oral glucose tolerance test 75 g was not used. Gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with caesarean delivery (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.29–4.92; p = 0.007 and preeclampsia 5.95 (95% CI: 1.21–29.21; p = 0.028). Risk factors for GDM included maternal age over 35 years and obesity (body mass index [BMI]: ≥ 30). A history of prematurity showed a significant association with GDM, with adjuster OR (aOR) of 3.47 (95% CI: 1.36–8.79; p < 0.011). Conclusion: Preventing maternal complications from GDM relies on raising women’s awareness about the importance of screening and monitoring during pregnancy in Southern Morocco. Contribution: This study highlights the necessity of strengthening GDM screening and targeted management strategies for at-risk pregnant women in Morocco, particularly in the southern region.

Background: The assessment of quality of life highlights the effects of diabetes on patients. While the disease’s impact is often similar, socioeconomic conditions lead to notable differences. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of poverty status on the dimensions of quality of life of patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study among diabetic patients in the province of Agadir Ida Outanane, Morocco. We measured quality of life using the Moroccan version of the D 39 diabetes-specific quality of life questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was applied to predict the relationship between poverty status and quality of life dimensions, with adjustments for other covariates (sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic); univariate analyses were significant with a p < 0.25 value and multiple linear regression at p < 0.05. Results: There were 338 confirmed diabetic patients undergoing treatment included in the study. The poverty rate among this diabetic population was 37.3%. The study revealed median scores for impaired quality of life in diabetes control 62.5 [50.5–75], anxiety and worry 81.3 [56.3–93.8], overall perceived quality of life 50 [25–50], and diabetes severity 75 [50–100]. The results of multiple linear regression demonstrated that poverty status was associated with both dimensions anxiety and worry (β = 13.95, IC 95%: 8.12, 19.78, p < 0.001) and diabetes control (β = 8.90, IC 95%: 4.82, 12.97, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The management and psychological impact of diabetes are influenced by poverty status. It is crucial to prioritize this vulnerable population to enhance the effectiveness of interventions for comprehensive disease management.

Introduction and aim. The aim of this study was to compare trends of in-hospital maternal mortality in southern Morocco be fore and after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the Kingdom in March 2020. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study of a time series of hospital maternal deaths from January 2016 to December 2022. Data were collected from maternal death registers and monthly reports from maternity departments of six public hospitals in Souss Massa region (one regional and five provincial hospitals). Results. 216 maternal deaths occurred during the study period, 112 before and 104 during the pandemic. The highest annual maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was observed in 2021 (207.41 deaths/100,000 live births). Trends of monthly MMR showed a significant increase during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period (p=0.002). Furthermore, an extremely high MMR value (977.57/100,000 live births) was noted in August 2021 (the Delta wave). There was a significant difference in the distribution of causes of maternal death. Proportion of indirect causes were tripled during the pandemic (from 8% to 24%), with 17/104 (16.3%) deaths related to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Conclusion. In-hospital MMR increased in public hospitals of the Souss Massa region during the COVID-19 pandemic, particu larly in the third quarter of 2021.