AIDS and subjective risk assessment: A critical review

Abstract

The primary prevention of AIDS via reduced HIV transmission is reliant upon effective policies for population behavioural change. But If behaviour is to be modified by information rather than coercion, a greater understanding Is required of how individuals perceive the risks of AIDS and what value they place upon precautionary behaviour such as condom usage. This paper reviews the question of bias in AIDS risk perception by the public and known high-risk groups. Evidence on AIDS risk perception from the U.K. and U.S. is reviewed. There is some evidence to suggest that public information policies in the U.K. have had some Impact In correcting perception bias; but studies among high-risk groups suggest that Information and awareness do not result In behaviour change. To Inform the criteria for policy evaluation more research is needed on the relationship between sources of bias in AIDS risk perception, the provision of information and behaviour change.