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: Smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality are prevalent health concerns that negatively impact students’ physical and mental well-being, which could affect their academic performance. However, research on this subject in Morocco remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on sleep quality and identify risk factors that moderate this relationship among nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2023, involving 451 nursing students aged 17 to 23 at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Meknes, Morocco. Participants completed the Mobile Phone-Related Sleep Risk Factors Questionnaire (MRSRF), the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Binary logistic regression (BLR), Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, and Area Under Curve (AUC) analyses were used to assess the impact of smartphone addiction on sleep quality and to identify moderating risk factors. Results: The study found that 81.23% of nursing students experienced smartphone addiction, and 86.47% reported poor sleep quality. Sleep quality was significantly correlated with smartphone addiction (β = 0.174; p <0.001), use before bedtime (β = 1.018; p = 0.030), and duration of use after lights-off (β = 0.768; p = 0.047). Logistic regression analysis indicated that smartphone addiction (AUC = 0.872; p <0.001) and duration of use after lights-off (AUC = 0.668; p <0.001) were significant predictors of sleep quality. Conclusion: This study found a significant correlation between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality, as well as a negative impact of using smartphones in bed for more than 30 minutes after lights off. Nursing students with higher smartphone addiction levels, who use their devices for extended periods without blue light filters, are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, educators, and community stakeholders. Health promotion programs integrated into student curricula could help reduce smartphone addiction and encourage healthier sleep hygiene practices.

Iziki H, et al. Infect Chemother. 2024 Sep;56:e41. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2024.0056

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is a major health problem, responsible for high mortality and a wide range of morbidity. Several factors play a part in the occurrence of perinatal mortality during asphyxia. The aim of this work was to identify factors predictive of perinatal mortality following PA, using an unmatched case-control study. Thus, 31 cases and 126 controls were identified with a total of 157 newborns suffering from PA. It was carried out during April 1 to June 30, 2022, at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech. The socio-demographic, clinical, and biological data of the newborns were collected using an evaluation grid. In this series, the sex ratio was 0.96 and the case-fatality rate 20%. The results showed that the factors showing a statistically significant association in the genesis of mortality in PA cases were : intrauterine growth retardation [(ORA= 4711,799), 95%, IC : ( 48,964, 453416,766)] ; maternal history [ (ORA =31,876, 95%,CI : (1,346;755,149)] ; Apgar index after 5 min less than or equal to 3: [(ORA=139,75), 95%, CI : (16,523 ; 1182,01)]; and congenital malformations : [(ORA=241,435), 95%, CI : ( 6,044 ; 9644,748)]. Consequently, addressing these factors is crucial to identify high-risk newborns at an early stage and to implement appropriate measures. The goal is to eliminate avoidable morbidity and disability.

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.