Evaluation of the Psychological Needs of Students at Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Rabat: A Cross-sectional Study

In Morocco, very little is known about the Psychological Needs (PNs) of students in higher education institutions. Even though there is a growing awareness of how crucial it is to support the psychological well-being of students, research in this area is still quite sparse. This study seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the PNs of students at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Rabat (ISPITSR).

A questionnaire based on the Likert scale was distributed via Google Forms to students from various tracks and majors over a two-week period starting February 15^th, 2024. The study included a representative sample of 345 Moroccan students aged 18 to over 30. Statistical analyses were primarily conducted using the Chi-square test to assess associations between sociodemographic variables (such as age, gender, and level of education) and the levels of Psychological Needs (PNs) among students. P-values were calculated to determine the statistical significance of these associations.

The sample comprised mostly women (84.9%) and students under 20 years (73.9%). Key findings revealed that 48.7% of students reported a strong need for mental health support, 32.17% for well-being, and 25.51% for self-esteem. Significant associations were found between PNs and the level of study (p = 0.004), with higher PNs observed in second and third-year students. Mental health emerged as the top priority for 48.7% of students, followed by well-being and self-esteem. Desired resources included access to psychological professionals (15.9%) and financial support.

This study contributes to a better understanding of the PNs of students in Morocco, offering insights that could be used to improve their well-being and the quality of their educational experience.