ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS was discovered 41 years ago and important advances have been made for people living with HIV/AIDS. But were these facts enough to change diagnostic representation and overcome fear of suffering prejudice? The objective was to analyze the representations of HIV/AIDS diagnosis after four decades of epidemic. Exploratory, qualitative research was carried out in an institution specializing in HIV/ AIDS located in Rio de Janeiro. Fourteen patients over 18 years, both genders, were interviewed, regardless time of diagnosis. Phenomenological analysis was performed. The representations evoked pessimism related to stigmas (contamination, appearance of ‘aidetic’, imminent death); optimism (diagnosis as rebirth, looking healthy, diagnosis of HIV, not AIDS, belonging the group of homosexuals with HIV); or induction by professionals (HIV as a chronic disease). A hierarchy of prejudices was perceived between those who use antiretrovirals to avoid HIV against those who live with HIV and, the latter, against those who live with AIDS. Despite the advances, it was evident the stigmas from the beginning the epidemic are present, generating shame and fear. Optimistic representations are related to resignification of stigmas for not having materialized in reality. However, the importance of confronting stigmas is recognized, with health care being an important locus of resignification.
Keywords:
HIV; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Social stigma; Social representations; Delivery of health care