María Eugenia Gras Pérez

PREVENTION OF SEXUAL TRANSMISSION OF AIDS VIRUS: STRATEGIES TO INCREASE CONDOM USE

ABSTRACT

Condom use by young people is the most recommended preventive sexual method because, unlike other methods, it simultaneously protects against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

For a long time it has been quite common for programs to promote condom use to emphasize the dangers of not using condoms, rather than the benefits of using them.

Fortunately, both approaches can be combined and models can be proposed in which condom use by young people depends on both the perceived disadvantages and advantages associated with condom use.

A good number of advantages associated with condom use have now been identified, as well as disadvantages, which make it possible to examine the extent to which they are valued by young people. The results of these evaluations help us to detect erroneous beliefs and distorted perceptions, which can be modified by training programs. Such programs address knowledge, attitudes and skills, since sometimes a perception can be influenced by all three factors. In general, changes in perceptions, especially in the case of advantages, have a great influence on increasing condom use.

On the other hand, some advantages and disadvantages are evaluated differently according to age and gender. The evaluations also change depending on whether the sexual relationship is with an intimate partner or an occasional one.

In the workshop we will examine the different types of beliefs and perceptions and how to evaluate them, as well as the strategies and programs that can help to modify them in the desired direction.

BIOGRAPHY

María Eugenia is PhD in Psychology from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. She is Professor in the area of  Behavioural Sciences Methodology at Universidad de Girona, particularly, in the Psychology degree and the Master degree in Health Promotion. Additionally, since 2015, she has coordinated the PhD program in Psychology, Health and Quality of life.

Regarding her research experience, she is co-director of Health Psychology group research that is focused on health risk behaviours and disease prevention. Her research includes more than 90 articles published in prestigious scientific journals (nationally and internationally) and 3 six-year research periods by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Spain (ANECA), the last one in 2017.