Factors associated with mental well-being: the role of relational quality among Moroccan nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Mental well-being is a major public health concern worldwide and is attracting increasing interest, particularly among young university students facing multiple constraints. Objective: This research aimed to investigate how the quality of interpersonal relationships relates to mental well-being among students at high institutes of nursing and health technology in the Fes-Meknes region of Morocco. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from February to June 2023. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to all eligible undergraduate nursing students at institutions in the region; a final sample of 489 participants who provided complete responses was included in the analysis. Bivariate analysis used t-tests for independent samples, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The survey reveals an average level of mental well-being, with a mean score of 38.17 ± 13.16, and an overall relationship quality score with a mean of 25.72 ± 8.020. Family relationship quality, teacher relationship quality, and peer relationship quality were each significantly and positively associated with mental well-being (B = 1.026, 95% CI [0.74, 1.30], p < 0.01; B = 1.194, 95% CI [0.90, 1.48], p < 0.01; B = 0.630, 95% CI [0.34, 0.91], p < 0.01, respectively). The regression model was statistically significant (F (7, 481) = 38.360, p < 0.01). The adjusted R² of 0.35 indicates that 35% of the variance in mental well-being is explained by the included factors. Among these variables, the quality of relationships with teachers showed a notable association, followed by the quality of family relationships and peer relationships. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that student mental well-being is associated with the quality of family relationships and relationships within the educational environment. It is therefore essential to encourage the development of interpersonal skills to promote the mental health of nursing students and university students in general.