Representation of the hiv carriers about antiretroviral treatment

Abstract

Having the perception of the HIV/AIDS carriers about compliance with antiretroviral medication, this qualitative study aimed at comprehending the social representations of the HIV/AIDS carriers about the drug therapy; analyzing the relation between the perception of the HIV/AIDS carriers about the drug therapy and their motivation to comply with the treatment. The research subjects were nine users, hospitalized in an infectious-contagious unit of a school hospital in the city of Juiz de Fora. Data collection occurred with semi-structured interviews. The analysis categories allowed to discuss the several aspects of antiretroviral compliance, starting from the representations elaborated by the subjects who undergo the treatment, who, using dialogue as a mediator, talk about the hindering aspects and the motivations for managing the treatment.