More than 50% of Moroccans believe prayer is more effective than vaccination in preventing COVID-19

A recent Afrobarometer survey examining the influence of education and news consumption on African beliefs about disease prevention methods has revealed sthat 53% of Moroccan citizens believe that prayer is more effective than vaccination in preventing COVID-19.

In Sudan, this belief was even more pronounced, with nearly 90% of respondents expressing this view. Niger and Liberia followed closely with 88% and 87% respectively. In contrast, Togo and Mauritius reported lower figures, with only 41% of their populations holding such beliefs.

On average across the continent, more than 60% of Africans believed that prayer was more effective than vaccination. The study highlighted that religious affiliation significantly influenced health decisions.

Higher levels of education were correlated with a reduced likelihood of believing that prayer was superior to vaccination. Individuals with higher education levels were more likely to trust in the efficacy of vaccines. The study attributed this to the fact that education promotes critical thinking, leading people to place greater trust in evidence-based science.

Poverty was also found to influence health decision-making. Poorer individuals were more inclined to believe in the efficacy of prayer. The study suggested that this might be due to marginalization and limited access to basic necessities, leading the poor to rely more heavily on faith to cope with existential threats like disease. Furthermore, individuals who had personally experienced COVID-19 were less likely to believe that prayer was superior to vaccination.

Trust in government was another significant factor. Individuals who trusted their governments were less likely to believe that prayer was more effective than vaccination. These individuals were more likely to adhere to government health guidelines. Interestingly, men were less likely than women to believe in the efficacy of prayer.

News consumption also played a role. Individuals who followed the news were less likely to believe that prayer was more effective than vaccination. Exposure to news about the severity of the disease and the benefits of vaccination influenced these beliefs.