Preventing without stigmatizing: the complex stakes of information on AIDS.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact that the marking of the argumentative orientation and the temporal framing of the HIV incidence can have on the intent to adopt preventive behavior and the attitude towards the fight against AIDS.


METHODS
We elaborated a text presented as an epidemiological information message about HIV/AIDS in which we varied the marking of the argumentative orientation (high marking versus low marking) and the framing of the HIV infection (yearly estimates versus daily estimates). Subjects were asked to read it carefully and to answer some questions about their preventive intentions and opinions as regards the fight against AIDS.


RESULTS
The high marking of the argumentative orientation and the daily estimates increase the subject's preventive intentions but also reinforce their support for a coercive management of the epidemiological situation.


CONCLUSIONS
These results are discussed within the framework of critical studies on mass media and studies discussing the links between experienced stigmata, stress and psychological distress. Some limitations of our study are also considered.


CONCLUSIONS
This study could be useful for the designers of prevention campaigns aimed at the general public.
Coppola
Vincent
V
Department of Psychology, Laboratory PRIS, University of Rouen, Rue Lavoisier, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France. vincent.coppola@etu.univ-rouen.fr
Camus
Odile
O
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017280:Condoms; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D011582:Psychological Theory; D021841:Safe Sex; D012660:Semantics; D012938:Social Perception; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors