Background: Simulation is a crucial component in the training of healthcare professionals, offering a safe environment for practical learning without posing risks to patients. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of simulation with a standardized patient on the acquisition and retention of knowledge, as well as on the self-efficacy of nursing students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted with 120 nursing students, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (60) received training through simulation with a standardized patient, supplemented by a lecture-based course. The control group (60) received only the same lecture-based course. A pre-test was conducted to assess students’ baseline knowledge and self-efficacy before any intervention. Student performance was then assessed with a post-test immediately after the training to measure knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy and a post-test three months after the intervention to measure long-term knowledge retention. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge acquisition (14.92 vs. 13.32; p < 0.001; d = 0.99), self-efficacy (33.02 vs. 31.05; p < 0.001; d = 1.03) and knowledge retention three months after training (12.4 vs. 10.6; p < 0.001; d = 0.94). Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the effectiveness of simulation in knowledge acquisition and retention, as well as in the self-efficacy of nursing students. These findings support the integration of this method into training programs to strengthen the skills of future healthcare professionals.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus- positive women have an increased risk of precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer. This study aims to identify the level of awareness/knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer among women living with Human immunodeficiency virus in the region of Souss-Massa in southern Morocco. Methods: This is a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in the Souss-Massa region (southern Morocco) among women attending Human immunodeficiency virus treatment and care centers between March 2022 and September 2022. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were deployed to identify factors associated with cervical cancer awareness among the target population. Results: A total of 494 respondents to the questionnaire, 440 (89.1%) are aware of cervical cancer. Nevertheless, 405 (82.0%) and 369 (74.7%) were unaware of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms, respectively. Only 125 (25.3%) knew the exact frequency of cervical cancer screening among Human immunodeficiency virus positive women, whereas 221 (44.7%) had ever been tested for cervical cancer. Factors associated with women’s awareness of cervical cancer are as follows: level of education (adjusted Odds Ratio = 3.78 with 95% CI, 1.23-11.65), time since diagnosis of Human immunodeficiency virus (adjusted Odds Ratio = 4.31 with 95% CI, 1.12- 16.52), knowledge of women with cervical cancer (adjusted Odds Ratio = 6.30 with 95% CI, 1.87-21.18) and heard the pap- smear/visual inspection with acetic acid (adjusted Odds Ratio = 4.92 with 95% CI, 2.35-10.33). Conclusion: The general knowledge of seropositive women regarding cervical cancer remains very low, which justifies the integration of cervical cancer prevention services with Human immunodeficiency virus care, and pinpoints the crucial role of patient education.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The diagnosis can be made based on the patient's history, the symptoms presented, the results of the electrocardiogram, and cardiac biomarkers. These elements help differentiate ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) from non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). The aim of this work is to outline an epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary profile of acute coronary syndrome treated at the Hassan II Regional Hospital Center in the Souss-Massa region. Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective epidemiological study with an analytical aim. The study focused on patients admitted to the cardiology center during the period from January 2019 to May 2022. Overall, 318 files of patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome in the cardiology department of the Souss-Massa Regional Hospital were analyzed. A specialized survey form was developed for this study to determine the socio-demographic, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary characteristics of the participants. Results: The average age was 62.3 ± 13.3 years, with a male predominance of 64.5%. The most common antecedents were hypertension (41.2%), diabetes (40.5%), and smoking (31.5%). The main reason for consultation was chest pain (91.2%) along with other atypical signs, such as dyspnea (30.5%), epigastric pain (17.7%), vomiting (16.4%), and syncope (2.8%). The analysis of the ECG revealed that 64.2% of the cases of acute coronary syndrome had a STEMI, and 35.8% had an NSTEMI. About 98.4% of patients received thrombolytic treatment. The study revealed a significant association between ACS and the following risk factors: male sex (AOR= 3.12; CI 95% [1.71-5.70]), investigative methods, such as chest X-ray (AOR=0.15; CI95% [0.02-0.84]), treatment modalities, such as cardiac rehabilitation (AOR=0.07, CI95% [0.01-0.54]), statins (AOR=2.15; CI95% [1.20-3.85]) and favorable evolution (AOR=0.32; CI95%[0.13-0.77]). Mechanical complications were the most observed, with a percentage of 12.2%, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 5.3%. Conclusion: In summary, this study provides new insights into the epidemiology and management of ACS in the Souss-Massa region while highlighting the specific challenges associated with the local hospital setting. Enhancing cardiovascular healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness of risk factors, and optimizing prehospital management strategies are essential to improving the prognosis of ACS patients in Morocco.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and acceptance of health professionals in the southern region of Morocco in relation to the anti-COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will make it possible to assess the state of knowledge and acceptance of the vaccine against COVID-19 among health personnel in the prefecture of Agadir Idaoutanane, and to determine the factors influencing them, thanks to a self-administered questionnaire. Vaccine acceptance was determined by individuals who opted for vaccination willingly. Results: A total of 390 health professionals participated in this study. According to the results, there is a predominance of the female sex with a percentage of 63.2% and a sex ratio equal to 0.57. In addition, more than half of the health personnel participating in this study were between the ages of 20 and 30. 365 health professionals (93.3%) were vaccinated against COVID-19 of which 53.1% chose to be vaccinated of their own free will. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, and the question of the development of immunity to COVID-19 are significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: These observations are worrying insofar as health personnel have frequent and prolonged contact with patients. Hence the importance of improving their state of knowledge and positively impacting their acceptance of anti-COVID-19 vaccines in order to influence the attitude of their patients and the rest of the population.

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.