The opening of privacy and the secrecy of HIV/Aids information concerning women assisted by the Family Health Program in the City of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

In the beginning, Aids was predominantly seen in highly educated adult males with homosexual practices. Then, it reached a much younger group, with less access to information, heterosexuals and also women. Those infected with Aids are often worried about discrimination, which makes them keep it secret. The objective of this study was to discuss privacy and confidentiality of information related to women infected with HIV, who were assisted by Family Health Program (FHP) teams. It is a qualitative study that used the focal groups methodology with community-based health agents and semi-structured interviews with nurses, technicians, and doctors. It was conducted at a Basic Health Unit that operates using an FHP model in São Paulo. Accounts were analyzed according to Bardin and grouped into different categories: a) Revealing HIV diagnosis to FHP users; b) Welcoming and using bonding experiences when talking about the subject; c) Revealing HIV diagnosis to members of the FHP team; d) Team discussion and confidentiality of information. We found out that FHP professionals learn about the diagnosis through the patients themselves, their families, health agents and other healthcare professionals, and of course, through official test results. The women patients feel comfortable to talk about their HIV diagnosis when there is trust in the healthcare professional/user relationship. Professionals always try to ensure confidentiality of information regarding the diagnosis. This information enables professionals to talk about the users' health conditions and helps FHP team members set up a plan of action.