International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to mental health worldwide, raising the need to identify stable psychological resources that promote sustainable well-being. This longitudinal study examined whether character strengths predict well-being, post-traumatic growth, and mental health over a 13-month period. Participants (N = 146) completed online measures of character strengths, mental health, life satisfaction, affect, and post-traumatic growth at two time points. First, we tested whether a single general factor of character predicted later mental health and whether life satisfaction, affect, and post-traumatic growth mediated this relationship. Then, we repeated this model but with five different character strengths factors as predictors. Results showed that character predicted all mediators and mental health over time, but only the affective components of well-being mediated the relationship between character and mental health, especially positive affect. When looking at the five character strengths factors, although the majority predicted higher well-being and better mental health over time, goodness and interpersonal and fortitude strengths yielded the strongest effects. These findings suggest that character strengths contribute to sustainable well-being by fostering affective resilience in the face of adversity, aligning with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Background: Driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructural development, socio-economic growth, and population increase, noise pollution has become a major public health and environmental policy challenge in Moroccan cities. However, current legislation and enforcement mechanisms remain insufficient to address rising exposure levels and associated health risks. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to examine urban noise levels, health implications, the regulatory frameworks, and policy actions related to noise pollution in Morocco. Various databases were systematically searched (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), along with reports from international organizations and government bodies for studies published between 2003 and 2025. Eligible documents included peer-reviewed publications and official reports directly addressing Moroccan noise pollution, legislation, urban impacts, or health outcomes. Results: Twenty-three Moroccan studies and additional regional, European, and legislative sources were included. Findings show that average noise levels in Moroccan urban centers generally exceed international safety thresholds and are associated with cardiovascular risks, sleep disturbances, and psychological stress. The regulatory framework suffers from weak enforcement, limited monitoring protocols, and an absence of noise mapping. Tangier, Béni Mellal, Témara, Marrakech, and Casablanca exhibit significant environmental inequalities, particularly in low-income districts. Conclusions: Morocco’s current noise-management system is inadequate to address the growing health and environmental impacts of urban noise. Urgent actions are needed, including a dedicated noise-control law, systematic monitoring, noise mapping, and integration of public-health considerations into environmental governance. Policy reforms must prioritize vulnerable populations and align with international best practices.

Aims: To evaluate the quality of lunch menus for workers in commercial food services across social, health and environmental sustainability dimensions. Methods: Mixed methods were applied to five restaurants. Data collection included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), workers’ nutritional status, nutritional composition of 111 lunch menus, and environmental footprints. Data triangulation integrated caloric–nutritional adequacy, food insecurity, obesity, protein supply, and environmental footprints. Results: We assessed 261 participants (71.6% male; average age 32.3; 53.5% with a high school education). Food insecurity affected 53.3% and was associated with income, education, household composition, and municipality (p < 0.05). Nutritional status (n = 438) showed 68.3% were overweight/obese; obesity affected 42.7% of women and 30.5% of men. Menu analyses (n = 111) showed adequate energy and protein, but excessive lipids and sodium and reduced carbohydrates. Environmental analyses indicated beef had the highest impact; protein type was more influential than quantity, indicating no simple linear nutrition–impact relationship. Conclusion: Widespread food insecurity and obesity co-occurred with menus characterized by excessive lipids, sodium, and beef-driven impacts. The findings highlight that health and sustainability outcomes depend on both menu quality and social context, necessitating integrated, multidimensional policies.