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

Abstract

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.

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“…However, the provided sources offer relevant insights into the broader context of migration and mental health, revealing that migration, whether external or internal, can be a signi cant stressor that increases the risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety [45,46,47,48]. Additionally, humanitarian migrants are especially vulnerable to mental health problems due to the stressful circumstances surrounding their migration [49,50].…”

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