SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF FOREIGN PSYCHIATRY INPATIENTS IN MARRAKESH: PRACTICING PSYCHIATRY IN A MULTICULTURAL CITY

Introduction: Marrakesh is a city known world widely forattractingforeigners. The objective of this study was to describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of foreign psychiatric patients hospitalized in Marrakesh. The aim was to identify their specific needs and improve the provided care. b) Method: We conducted a descriptive transversal study including patients from 2012 to 2021. The files were collected from the social service register. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using an excel platform. c) Results: The number of patients included was 104. The mean age was 36.14 with a sex ratio of 64.70%. Europe was the main continent of origin. Most patients patients had a situation of tourist (72.54%). The patients had no occupation in 43% of cases. The reason of admission was predominantly agitation. The use of toxics was present in 80% of cases, mainly cannabis and alcohol. The proportion of patients who had no history of psychiatric illness was 21.34%. The predominant psychiatric disorder was bipolar disorder. d) Conclusion: The population of foreign patients received in Marrakesh is multicultural. Psychiatrists should be trained to communicate in foreign languages. The use of toxics is very frequent among this population. More efforts should be made to prevent relapse by improving access to medication and treatment compliance.