Does Risk Aversion Predict Sexual Behaviours and the Demand for HIV/STI Prevention? Evidence from Sex Workers in Dakar

We measured risk aversion among sex workers in Dakar using economic experimental games with real payment as well as self-reported risk aversion based on visual scales. Self-reported risk aversion was collected in reference to several domains: in general, with money, with health and with sexual behaviours. We find that sex workers reporting a greater risk aversion in health and sex have a greater demand for STI/HIV prevention and adopt less risky sexual behaviours. However, risk aversion in money does not correlate with risky sexual behaviours.