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

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.

Automated summary

Humanitarian migration can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression symptoms, among migrants. A study conducted on 445 humanitarian migrants in the Orientale region found a high prevalence of anxiety (39.1%) and depression (40.0%) symptoms. Risk factors for anxiety symptoms included diabetes, refugee status, overcrowding, stress, age between 18 and 20, and low monthly income. Lack of social support and low monthly income were associated with depression symptoms. Social support and improved living conditions should be addressed through public policies to alleviate these mental health concerns among humanitarian migrants.