ABSTRACT
Objective:
was to identify the social representations structure about AIDS among people with Human Immunodeficiency virus.
Method:
this is a descriptive research, based on the Central Core Theory of social representations. A free association test of words among 231 adults in antiretroviral therapy was applied. Software Ensemble de programmes permettantl'analyse dês evocations - EVOC2000® processed the evocations, generating a chart corresponding to the probable representation structure.
Results:
the elements disease, sadness, fear, death and transmission integrated the central nucleus. The peripheral system constituted itself more frequently by: prejudice, medicine and treatment, in the first periphery; difficult, preservative and healing, in the second periphery; bad, prevention and normal in the contrast zone. The central perceptions revealed shared elements since the onset of the infection.
Conclusion:
the peripheral system pointed to the need for continuous effort to coping with society and negative feelings, until they reach a cure.
DESCRIPTORS:
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; HIV; Knowledge, attitudes and practices in health; Perception; Nursing
