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