Libyan females are suffering from chronic diseases more than males, a survey published by the Bureau of Statistics and Census has shown.

The national family health survey for 2014, published on December 22, showed that 11.8% of females took part in the survey had chronic diseases against 10.4% of males, while men and women above 60 years of age were suffering the most with a rate of 54.1%.

The survey relied on random samples from over 21 thousand Libyan families in 22 cities and towns.

In regard to disabilities among the families, the survey showed the elderly suffered the most with percentage of 11%, while males recorded 3.6% and females 3%, in addition, the survey showed that smoking habits are spread around the country with 12.8% divided into 23.9% male smokers, 1.7% female smokers, and 18% elderly ones.

The survey also looked into education among females in the age range 15-49, showing that two thirds of the females surveyed have received secondary education and above, pointing that about 90% of those females watch TV programs and read newspapers, while 37.5 of females use a computer and 32.6% use the internet.

“The age of marriage was neck to neck in percentage between males and females as males recorded 34.4% and females 30.1% and the age difference between married couples has reached 6-8 years on average.” The survey reads.

Regarding violence against women, the survey showed 8.2% of women were subjected to abuse, with 79.1% having experienced verbal abuse.

"Half of the surveyed women said their husbands were the main abusers. 48.8% of the women were affected by the abuse. 74% were affected with depression while 26% asked for solutions to the abuse." The survey showed.

Asking the samples about sexually transmitted diseases and the ways through which people get infected with them, 88% of the females between 15 and 49 said they learned about AIDS mainly from TV, while 32.2% from friends, 23% from newspapers, and 21.8% from the radio.

The survey also showed that 99% of children have their vaccination cards with 73% of them finishing their vaccines completely, underscoring that the respiratory system diseases are the most common among children, while diarrhea and dehydration are two main reasons behind the death of children, both males and females.

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