HIV Knowledge, Risk Behaviors And Motivation For HIV Testing Among Women Of Childbearing Age In Morocco

Aim of the study: This study aims to identify factors influencing motivation for HIV testing among women of childbearing age in Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interview with a group of 1100 Moroccan women of childbearing age. Two scales were used: the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (HIV-KQ-18) and the Safe Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). Results: The study examined the factors influencing women's motivation for HIV testing: HIV knowledge and risk behavior. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the variable HIV knowledge (p = 0.000 ; OR = 4.250) and the variable HIV risk behavior (p = 0.006 ; OR = 3.523). The most important factor influencing motivation for HIV testing was HIV knowledge. This indicates that women of childbearing age with a good knowledge of HIV are 4.2 times more motivated to undergo HIV screening. Conclusion: HIV knowledge and risk behaviors influence women's motivation for HIV testing. Our findings have implications for healthcare practice as well as for research, in particular to support HIV testing among women of childbearing age. Healthcare professionals should focus on motivating these women to undergo early HIV testing to protect themselves and future generations.