Individual risk perception in STI prevention
N. Bajos
INSERM-INED U 569, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
This communication reviews different approaches used to analyse the process
of risk construction as concerns the sexual transmission of IST. Individualistic
approaches focus on understanding how individual risk representation is
constructed. Constructivist approaches consider that the process of risk
construction occurs in relation with other people and is affected by social
context. The specificities of these procedures are considered from theoretical
and methodological point of view, and by using examples taken from quantitative
and qualitative research. Zero exposure to IST risk does not exist in reality,
and people tend to reduce their risk through condom use and other prevention
strategies. Prevention campaigns should thus aim for risk reduction instead of
risk elimination. Constructivist research elucidates why some people do not
protect themselves, notably because of sexual issues, marginalization processes
and social normalisation of gender roles. It also elucidates why preventive
behaviour differs according to type of partner by showing how sexual and
preventive behaviour depends on power role relationships
