To model and analyze the differences between girls' and boys' conceptions of the determinants of health and cancer, as expressed and perceived by children and adolescents.
A multicentric qualitative study was conducted in five schools (ages 6–11 years), four middle schools (ages 11–15 years), and three high schools (ages 15–18 years). A multi-phase protocol (phase 1 uses the e.Photoexpression© and phase 2 uses the Photonarration) enables children and teenagers to express themselves through photography and storytelling.
A total of 4,174 qualitative productions were produced by 1,068 children, of which 47% were girls and 53% were boys, all in the ages of 6–18 years. From the results of the productions, it can be noticed that children mentioned and were aware of 30 determinants of health and cancer. The three determinants most mentioned were “Consumption of psychotropic drugs”, “Diet”, and “Harmful environment”. Among these 30 determinants, some were mentioned to a greater or lesser extent by girls and boys. These significant gender differences are present for 20 determinants of health and cancer. These differences evolve with age: (1) In elementary school (ages 6–11), girls gave significantly more importance (
The determinants identified as predominantly female or male, as well as age-related specificities, constitute a resource for effective preventive action, as close as possible to the needs and particularities of a population. This mapping of people's conceptions could provide a decision-making aid in defining the strategic orientations of prevention policies.