The health behaviors differences among male and female school-age adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa region countries: a meta-analysis of the Global School-based Student Health Survey data.

Background: Understanding gender disparities in adolescent health behaviors is crucial for developing targeted health promotion strategies. This study uses data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) across 17 MENA countries to analyze gender differences in adolescent health behaviors, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for both boys and girls.

Methods: This meta-analysis incorporates data from recent years of the GSHS, covering 17 MENA countries.

Lifestyle Habits Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Moroccan College Students.

The transition to university is a critical period during which considerable life changes arise. Useful national data to design tailored interventions aimed at promoting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Moroccan students are lacking. The present study is aimed at filling this gap by investigating the levels and associated factors of HRQoL among a national sample of Moroccan university students.

Social-ecological influences on unhealthy dietary behaviours among Moroccan adolescents: a mixed-methods study.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of unhealthy dietary behaviours and their social-ecological influences in adolescents.

Design: The study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, which begins with the collection of quantitative data, followed by the collection of qualitative data to explain and enrich the quantitative findings. Quantitative data were collected via a global school-based student health survey and were analysed using quantitative approaches.

Perceptions and intervention preferences of Moroccan adolescents, parents, and teachers regarding risks and protective factors for risky sexual behaviors leading to sexually transmitted infections in adolescents: qualitative findings.

Background: Sexual choices and practices of adolescents living in conservative societies, including Morocco, can be influenced either positively or negatively by the prevailing contextual and social norms. These norms not only limit the access to reproductive health information and services but also lead to abstinence among devout adolescents. Thus, identifying contextual risks and protective factors of risky sexual behaviors leading to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents, as well as exploring perceptions of adolescents, parents and teachers regarding effective intervention preferences could improve the sexual health of adolescents.

Perspectives of adolescents, parents, and teachers on barriers and facilitators of physical activity among school-age adolescents: a qualitative analysis.

Background: Physical activity levels are low among adolescents in Morocco; however, the influences on physical activity behavior of adolescents have not yet been explored in a qualitative study. Here, we explored potential social-ecological barriers and facilitators of physical activity in Moroccan adolescents with the goal of developing a successful intervention program aimed at improving their physical activity level.

Methods: For this study, we conducted 17 focus group discussions (100 participants, composed of 56 adolescents, 26 parents, and 18 teachers from two middle schools in Taza city, Morocco).

Adolescents, parents and teachers' perceptions of risk and protective factors of substance use in Moroccan adolescents: a qualitative study.

Background: Substance use in adolescents is a global public health concern that continues to draw attention from academics, policy experts, and government officials. In Morocco, few studies have investigated the influencing factors of substance use in adolescents. Here, we aimed to fill this gap and to better understand factors that protect or influence substance use in adolescents.

Level and potential social-ecological factors associated with physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among Moroccan school-age adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Creating a successful intervention that supports an active lifestyle and prevents sedentary one requires a better understanding of the factors associated with physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior (SB). However, these factors have not been assessed among Moroccan adolescents. This study aimed to determine prevalence of PI and SB and to explore their potential social-ecological associated factors in school-age adolescents.

Health risk behaviours amongst school adolescents: protocol for a mixed methods study.

Background: Determining risky behaviours of adolescents provides valuable information for designing appropriate intervention programmes for advancing adolescent's health. However, these behaviours are not fully addressed by researchers in a comprehensive approach. We report the protocol of a mixed methods study designed to investigate the health risk behaviours of Moroccan adolescents with the goal of identifying suitable strategies to address their health concerns.