ABSTRACT
The objective of this research is to understand the 'abandonment of treatment' - situations of discontinuation of medication and/or of breaking of bonds between patients, professionals, and health services. It aims to understand how patients from a basic health care unit see and signify this experience and how health care service faces it. Based on Social Sciences literature on Health, four axes of analysis were developed. The data shows gaps in health actions and the fragility of professionals in dealing with situations of vulnerability. Therefore, the qualification of the professional staff and actions for the 'active search' of missing patients are advisable.
KEYWORDS
HIV; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Therapeutics; Health services; Medication adherence