FEMALE EVERYDAY LIFE WITH THE HIV VIRUS IN AN AMBULATORY IN FORTALEZA

Abstract

This research aimed to understand how women treated at the specialized HIV/AIDS outpatient clinic perceive stigma and discrimination in their daily lives. This is a descriptive study, of a qualitative nature, carried out at the outpatient clinic specializing in HIV/AIDS in Fortaleza. The study included 11 women living with HIV/AIDS and being monitored at the outpatient clinic, who were subject to the criteria of having had a confirmatory test and diagnosed the virus for at least 2 years. The interview followed a semi-structured script with questions about socioeconomic data and stigma and discrimination after the diagnosis of the disease. Data analysis allowed the conception of three aspects: Perceptions about HIV/AIDS, changes in emotional relationships post-HIV diagnosis and discrimination due to the disease. The majority of participants saw significant changes in the social bonds that surround them after being diagnosed with the disease. Social interaction is dictated by the fear of prejudice and discrimination.