Abstract:
Changes in the profile of the HIV/AIDS epidemic have broadened discussions about material and subjective conditions of life and their impact as a structuring element of vulnerability to contamination. In this context, studying gender relations and subjecting women to the partners is relevant to analyze the vulnerability between them. This article presents results from a study that analyzed how women, already vulnerable to HIV, deal with partners and their reproductive rights. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten HIV-positive pregnant women in prenatal care at a gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic specialized in the care of patients with infectious diseases at a public health hospital and reference to the region in which the participants lived. The results point out difficulties in the distribution of power in gender relations as a structuring element of vulnerability to HIV. Among the participants, most recognize themselves as victims of the action of their partners, blaming them for the contagion. It is pointed out the need to restructure psychological support of seropositive women, considering the need to strengthen cognitive/affective resources to face the vicissitudes of the contagion and consequent rupture with the naturalization as victims. Among the strategies to strengthen these women are: discussion of the appropriation of the contagion process; problematization of the tacit acceptance of the alleged male superiority and of the demands of the partner or family. The effect of the proposal is to recognize female passivity as an element of women's vulnerability and fragility of preventive practices.
Keywords:
Health Vulnerability; HIV; Maternity