Citation

Peretti-Watel P. Rev. Epidemiol. Sante Publique 2013; 61(Suppl 3): S158-S162.

Vernacular Title

La prévention primaire contribue-t-elle à accroître les inégalités sociales de santé ?

Affiliation

Inserm, UMR 912 « Sciences économiques & sociales de la santé & traitement de l'information médicale » (SESSTIM), 23, rue Stanislas-Torrents, 13006 Marseille, France; UMR_S912, IRD/Aix-Marseille université, immeuble « Le Sextant », CS 90009, 44, boulevard de Dunkerque, 13572 Marseille cedex 02, France; Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (ORS PACA), 23, rue Stanislas-Torrents, 13006 Marseille, France. Electronic address: patrick.peretti-watel@inserm.fr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.respe.2013.05.019

PMID

23856510

Abstract

In France, as in many countries, tackling social inequalities in health is a public health priority. However, primary prevention may sometimes contribute to increase such inequalities. This article aims to illustrate this point, considering the cases of smoking and obesity. The implicit hypotheses of prevention regarding its targets are discussed, as well as its stigmatization effects. On the one hand, prevention can increase the social differentiation of risky behaviors, as it is more effective among wealthier and more educated people. On the other hand, prevention policies intending to increase either the financial or the symbolic cost of risky behaviors may also increase social inequalities. Primary prevention needs more reflexivity regarding its potential unintended and deleterious side effects.

Language: fr