Despite efforts to raise public awareness of the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), AIDS remains a major public health issue in Morocco. A survey carried out by Sunergia highlights alarming figures on the gaps in knowledge, prevention and risky behavior within Moroccan society.
The study, consulted by Hespress FRreveals that 52% of Moroccans know the modes of transmission of AIDS. This rate is higher among people aged 35 to 44 (57%) and 55 to 64 (56%). City dwellers (66%) and residents of the center of the country (59%) demonstrate better knowledge, as do socio-professional categories (CSP) A and B (70%).
On the other hand, 48% of Moroccans are not aware of these modes of transmission, a lack of awareness more marked among seniors aged 65 and over (63%) and in rural areas (74%).
Among those who are aware of it, 90% cite sexual intercourse as a mode of HIV transmission. In comparison, only 22% mention blood, 18% aesthetic tools and 16% syringes or injection materials, reflecting partial knowledge of other contamination risks.
Thus, AIDS seems to be the only sexually transmitted disease known to the general public. In fact, 79% of Moroccans are unaware of the existence of other STDs, a statistic which highlights the urgency of more global education on these diseases.
Means of protection: poor awareness
Only 38% of Moroccans know the means of protection against HIV. This rate rises among those aged 35-64, residents of the center (42%), city dwellers (49%) and CSP A and B 56%. However, 62% of respondents are unaware of the means of prevention, an even higher percentage among young people aged 18 to 24 (75%), in rural areas (82%) and among disadvantaged social categories (69%).
Among the best-known means of protection, abstinence is cited by 49% of respondents, followed by the male condom (38%), non-sharing of personal objects such as toothbrushes and razors (33%) and condoms. female (22%).
Furthermore, the survey highlights that the average age of first sexual intercourse in Morocco is 22 years, with cases from the age of 12, an aggravating factor due to the lack of awareness. Thus, nearly 70% of Moroccans say they have already had sexual relations, but the figures show little use of means of protection.
In fact, only 12% of single people systematically use means of protection, while 66% use none. Also, 1% of married couples systematically use protection, while 81% do not use any preventive method.
These statistics are all the more alarming since 23% of singles and 18% of married people refuse to answer, reflecting a persistent taboo around the question.
Finally, the L’Économiste-Sunergia survey highlights risky sexual behavior and poor prevention, particularly among young adults and in rural areas. These gaps are worrying in a country where AIDS still constitutes a major challenge.
The results of this study call for targeted awareness campaigns and improved sex education, in order to better equip young people and vulnerable populations to face the risks of STDs. Also, the initiators of this investigation believe that urgent and concerted action is necessary to slow the spread of HIV and preserve future generations.
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