Dificuldades enfrentadas pelos parceiros sorodiscordantes ao HIV na manutençao do sexo seguro

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the factors that interfere in maintaining safe sex. Data were collected through individual interviews with 11 HIV/AIDS patients living with HIV-negative partners, under clinical treatment at a specialized AIDS clinic. Analysis was based on Prose analysis by André (1983). The concept of vulnerability was used as a theoretical reference framework. The sexual prevention of HIV/AIDS for the non infected partner constitutes one of the largest challenges for the serodiscordant couples, because men and women accept condoms differently. The greater motivation towards condom use among serodiscordant couples does not eliminate the difficulties to use them for maintaining safe sex. The serodiscordant couples deserve specific assistance, and the preventive strategies should contemplate the cultural and psychosocial aspects that constitute important aspects of mixed-status partner vulnerability.

Vulnerabilidade ao HIV/AIDS e a prevenção da transmissão sexual entre casais sorodiscordantes

“…In addition, there are three main barriers that interfere in serodiscordant couples' maintaining safe sex: their disbelief in the efficacy of condoms as a method to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV; the change in sexual satisfaction because of being forced to use the condom and the disagreement between men and women about systematic condom use (8) .…”

“…In Brazil, there are few studies that address the reproductive aspects of HIV/AIDS carriers (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) . Furthermore, it is uncommon for Brazilian health services specialized in providing care to HIV/AIDS carriers to give any advice regarding the use of birth control and family planning (11) .…”

“…However, several psychosocial and cultural factors affect people's adhesion to using condoms (15) , including serodiscordant couples (8) .…”

“…Health care should include the patient and the partner, since the couple faces difficulties to maintain a safe sexual relationship, which implies reviewing actions to prevent sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS (8) .…”

The use of the "vulnerability" concept in the nursing area

“…Some nursing research in Brazil has used the concept of HIV infection vulnerability, even if in different perspectives, to discuss the process of falling ill and dying in relation to other health phenomena (23)(24)(25) .…”