Suicidal Risk Affects a Quarter of Moroccan Students

In Morocco, nearly one in four students exhibits suicidal risk in the month preceding a survey conducted among 1,191 young people from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University. Among them, the majority are classified as low risk, but some require urgent psychiatric care. This reality highlights a silent crisis among young adults, often facing unknown psychological and social challenges.

The results reveal that cannabis use multiplies the likelihood of suicidal risk by more than four. This link is explained by the effects of cannabis on the brain, particularly on receptors that influence mood and behavior. Single students also appear more vulnerable, with a risk nearly three times higher than that of married students. Marriage, often perceived as a source of emotional and financial stability, seems to play a protective role in this context.

A family history of psychiatric disorders also increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. In a society where mental health remains stigmatized, growing up in an environment marked by mental illness can worsen feelings of distress. Physical and sexual violence experienced during childhood or adolescence leaves deep scars. Victims often develop an increased tolerance for pain and a reduced fear of death, which can encourage self-destructive behaviors.

Students who have experienced physical or sexual aggression show a 40 to 50% increased risk. This violence, sometimes trivialized in certain cultures as educational methods, has lasting consequences on mental health. In Morocco, initiatives are emerging to combat these practices, but their impact remains limited against deeply rooted traditions.

This study underscores the urgency to act. Campuses should strengthen screening for students in difficulty and provide accessible listening spaces. Prevention must also involve awareness campaigns to break the taboo surrounding mental health and addiction. Finally, specific support for victims of violence could significantly reduce risks.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02124-5

Title: Suicidal risk and psychosocial factors among Northern Moroccan university students

Journal: Discover Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mohjat Belaatar; Adil El Ammouri; Adil Najdi