Mental Health and Psychiatric Hospitalisation of Sub-Saharan Migrants in Morocco: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study at Ibn Nafis Hospital, Marrakech

Background
Sub-Saharan migrants living in Morocco face multidimensional vulnerability such as traumatic migration routes, precarious living conditions, violence, discrimination, and legal insecurity. These factors significantly increase the risk of severe mental disorders and may lead to psychiatric hospitalisation. However, epidemiological data on psychiatric admissions among this population in Morocco remain limited.
Objective
To analyse epidemiological trends, clinical profiles, and barriers to psychiatric care among Sub-Saharan migrants hospitalised at Ibn Nafis Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco and to examine this issue as an indicator of social and mental-health vulnerability.
Methodes
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in psychiatry department at Ibn Nafis hospital, Marrakech. Data from adult Sub-Saharan migrants admitted during the last 6 months were extracted from medical records, including sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses (according to DSM-5 criterias), admission motives, and discharge outcomes.
Results
Sub-Saharan migrants represented a disproportionate share of psychiatric hospitalisations, with a rising trend over time. Patients were predominantly young adults presenting with acute psychotic disorders, substance-induced psychosis, and bipolar disorders. Most patients lived in unstable housing and lacked regular access to outpatient psychiatric care. Language barriers, legal insecurity, and limited coordination with community services were the main obstacles to provide an appropriate care, leading to a complex discharge planning and high readmission rates.
Conclusion
Psychiatric hospitalisation among Sub-Saharan migrants reflects a cumulative burden of social vulnerability and persistent systemic gaps in mental health care. Enhancing access to early psychiatric assessment and strengthening continuity-of-care pathways are essential strategies to reduce emergency psychiatric admissions within this population in Marrakech, and more broadly across Morocco.
Key Words: Sub-Saharan migrants, Mental health, Social vulnerability, Psychiatric hospitalisation, Health care access, Marrakech, Morocco

ALOUACHE Sahar