Drivers of youth engagement in mental health in Morocco: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

BackgroundYouth engagement in mental health has been shown to inform effective interventions aimed at improving youth mental health outcomes. However, evidence on the state of youth engagement in mental health remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to identify the drivers of youth engagement in mental health in Morocco, as well as the support needs and resources required to promote it. MethodsWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study in Morocco, including young Moroccans aged 18-24 years. Using an online self-administered questionnaire, we assessed participants levels of engagement in mental health activities, attitudes toward mental health, awareness about mental health, support needs, and perceived importance of well-being drivers across five domains, informed by the WHO adolescent well-being framework. Descriptive statistics, clustering analysis, and logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictor factors of youth engagement in mental health. ResultsA total of 1,183 participants were included. The engaged cluster group reported higher awareness about mental health and more positive attitudes toward mental health. Predictors of engagement in mental health included higher education (OR=2.23, 95% CI: [46-3.43]) unemployment (OR=1.65, 95% CI: [1.04-2.64]), and higher scores on "Connectedness and positive values and contribution to society" (OR=1.07, 95% CI: [1.05-1.10]) as well as positive attitudes toward mental health (OR=1.04, 95% CI: [1.03-1.05]). Conversely, those who prioritized safety and a supportive environment were less likely to be engaged (OR=0.94, 95% CI: [0.91-0.98]). The most frequently cited needs to support engagement were access to mental health professionals (63.0%) and mental health education (42.4%). ConclusionsThese results provide insights into the factors influencing youth engagement in mental health in Morocco. Fostering "connectedness, positive values, and contribution to society" and "positive attitudes towards mental health", as well as improving access to mental health professionals, information and education, is essential to promote youth engagement in mental health programs and policy-making.