This study aimed to analyze the antiretroviral therapy adherence process and its social representation for people living with HIV/AIDS. This is a qualitative and descriptive study conducted on the Social Representation Theory. 30 people participated in an HIV/AIDS outpatient treatment in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis. It is evident that adverse events arising from the therapy, the fear of being seropositive revealed and the failure to realize themselves as sick result in the abandonment of therapy to the professional and family support showing it is essential that the person continues with the therapy. It is concluded that the adherence process shows a symbolic change process from the start of treatment until stabilization, which is expressed in attitudes and the image of the disease, virus and medications.
Medication Adherence; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Nursing