Marouane Moustakbal
@fsts.ac.ma
Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment Laboratory, Sciences and technologies Faculty, Hassan 1st University, Settat, Morocco
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Marouane Moustakbal and Souad Belabbes Maataoui
PAGEPress Publications
Excessive fatigue in adolescents is a growing concern as it impacts various aspects of their lives. Research on its prevalence and contributing factors in specific populations, especially in developing countries, is scarce. This study examines the prevalence of excessive fatigue among Moroccan adolescents and its association with demographic characteristics, parasomnias, depressive symptoms, and academic performance. In this cross‑sectional study, we assessed excessive fatigue among 800 Moroccan adolescents (aged 12‑20 years) in Settat province, using a comprehensive questionnaire including Pichot's Fatigue Scale (PFS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‑9), parasomnia questionnaire, and demographic questionnaire. The primary outcome was excessive fatigue, while covariates included demographic factors, physical health, regular exercise, depressive symptoms, and specific parasomnias. Associations were analyzed using cross‑tabulation analysis, chi‑squared tests, and correlation analysis. Excessive fatigue was prevalent in 8.4% of participants. Female adolescents had significantly higher adjusted odds of experiencing excessive fatigue than male adolescents, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 3.07 [95% CI (1.48, 6.37), P=0.003]. Excessive fatigue was significantly associated with nightmares, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between fatigue and depressive symptoms (r=0.746, P<0.001). This study highlights the prevalence of excessive fatigue among Moroccan adolescents, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender‑specific issues, sleep habits, and mental health support. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and explore the role of lifestyle and socio‑cultural contexts.
Marouane Moustakbal and S. Maataoui
Introduction depression in adolescents is a major health condition that can interfere with daily life, lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior, and affect a person throughout life. However, studies about adolescents´ depression in Morocco are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression symptoms among in-school adolescents from the region of Settat-Morocco, as well as assessing its relation to daytime sleepiness and poor academic achievement. Methods the researchers conducted a cross-sectional school-based study. The sample included participants aged 12-20 years, in either urban or rural areas. We selected 722 students through a proportionate stratified sampling procedure. The participants responded to multiple questionnaires that included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a questionnaire assessing several sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, and finally an academic achievement questionnaire. We analyzed the collected data using descriptive statistical methods, χ2 test, and odds ratios. Results forty-four point seven percent (44.7%) of the respondents had “moderately severe” to “severe depression symptoms” and 32.5% of the sample suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness. Nineteen point nine percent (19.9%) of the total sample reported having a poor academic achievement. Significant predictors for depression symptoms included “female gender” (OR = 2.06; p-value < 0.001), “having divorced parents” (OR = 6.00; p-value < 0.001), “poor academic achievement” (OR = 5.03; p-value < 0.001), and “excessive daytime sleepiness” (OR = 2.30; p-value = 0.002). Conclusion this study provides important information about Morocco adolescents´ depression symptoms. These findings can help in implementing school-based mental and sleep health programs that target the promotion of mental wellness, prevention of mental health problems, and reduction of adolescent suicide risk.
Marouane Moustakbal and Souad Belabbes Maataoui
Pan African Medical Journal
Introduction sleep plays an important role in learning and the formation of memories among adolescents, and lack of sleep affects their health, safety, and school performance, especially in the age of mobile phones. This study´s aim was to investigate sleep length and sleep quality among Moroccan adolescents and assess their relationship to mobile phone use. Methods the population of this cross-sectional study included all the adolescent students aged 12-20 years, living in the Settat region, Morocco. We used proportionate stratified random sampling to select 800 participants from schools in the region. The researchers used a self-developed questionnaire coupled with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire to measure sleep length and evaluate sleep quality, respectively. We performed the statistical analysis using a combination of parametric and nonparametric tests to assess sleep length variables and PSQI score relationship to different independent variables. Results participation rate was 91.2% (n = 730). The mean total sleep time was 8.01 hrs (SD = 1.46 hrs). Wake-up time was 8:17 a.m. (SD = 2.33 hrs), among late-night mobile phone users and 8:00 a.m. (SD = 2.11 hrs) among non-users. Overall, 76.7% of students from rural schools and 66.5% of students from urban schools reported poor sleep quality (p-value = 0.002). Most late-night mobile phone users (78%; p-value = 0.001) had poor sleep quality. Sleep quality decreased by age and in physically and psychologically unhealthy adolescents (p-value <0.001). Conclusion a high percentage of adolescents in the Settat region suffer from poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation, especially among those who use cell phones before going to sleep. We advise parents and the Moroccan education system to promote good sleep habits and reduce the use of such devices in the bedroom by adolescents.