Health Promotion Workshops on HIV Prevention among Moroccan Teenage Migrants: Knowledge Gains and Behavioural Shifts in 2002 Context

Health promotion workshops on HIV prevention have been implemented in various settings to enhance knowledge and behaviour among adolescents at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Morocco, teenage migrants face unique challenges related to cultural norms, language barriers, and socio-economic conditions that affect their health literacy and preventive behaviors. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with participants aged between 16 and 18 years who had participated in the workshops. The FGDs aimed at exploring their understanding of HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards preventive measures, and reported behaviors post-workshop. Participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention strategies after attending the workshops. Specifically, there was an observed rise in participants' awareness regarding condom use from 40% to 75%, indicating improved health literacy among this vulnerable group. The findings suggest that structured health promotion workshops can be effective in improving knowledge and behaviour related to HIV/AIDS prevention among Moroccan teenage migrants. These results support the implementation of similar initiatives aimed at reducing STI risk behaviors. Future research should consider replicating these workshops with a more diverse set of participants and over an extended period to establish long-term impacts on health outcomes. Additionally, integrating community-based interventions could further enhance the reach and effectiveness of such programmes.