Abstract

SILVA, Richardson Augusto Rosendo da; ROCHA, Vera Maria da; DAVIM, Rejane Marie Barbosa  and  TORRES, Gilson de Vasconcelos. Ways of coping with AIDS: opinion of mothers with HIV children. Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem [online]. 2008, vol.16, n.2, pp. 260-265. ISSN 0104-1169.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692008000200014.

The research aims at identifying strategies of coping with AIDS used by mothers of HIV positive children to live better with their children's disease. The method used was a descriptive qualitative study. Thirty-three structured interviews were conducted with HIV positive women voluntaries and registered as users in the clinic of the public hospital of reference for the treatment of AIDS in Natal/RN. For data analysis, the method used was thematic content analysis. From the analysis, prevalent categories regarding forms of facing AIDS came up, they were: overprotection and fear; donation; hope; religious belief; underestimation of HIV; hiding the diagnosis; and resignation. This study shows that despite AIDS limitations and barriers, relatives develop strategies that make it possible to face every day problems and live better with it.

Keywords : HIV; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; HIV seropositivity; mothers; coping behavior.