The purpose of this study was to find out how children who live with AIDS describe their experiences with antiretrovirals (ARV). This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the STD Specialized Care Service, in the city of Porto Alegre, between May and July 2009, with children using ARV. Information was collected adopting the focus group method. The analysis was carried out by means of content analysis, which has evidenced the following categories: Way of life of children with AIDS; Medication handling; Expectations and feelings. The study made important contributions that must be further analyzed in relation to this theme in the child's universe. The adherence to ARV constitutes a challenge for both health professionals and the family. Knowing more about children's experiences and strategies can provide new ways of seeing, treating, and caring for this segment of the population.
Child; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; HIV; Nursing