Agindo e interagindo com a presença do HIV: o sentido de vulnerabilidade para mulheres no contexto do HIV/Aids

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the meanings attributed to women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, using for this two sample groups: female health professionals who care for women with HIV, and women who were seropositive for HIV. For this it was charted as objectives: identify the meanings of HIV/AIDS for women; identify the meanings of vulnerability to HIV for women from the meanings of HIV, and analyze the meanings of vulnerability to HIV in the light of symbolic interaction. This research is justified by the increase in cases of AIDS in women through unprotected heterosexual intercourse. The data collection technique used was semi-structured interview. The methodology was qualitative approach subsidized by the Grounded Theory, and the data analysis framework was symbolic interactionism. It was identified that the professional women in healthcare understand as vulnerability to HIV being professional in healthcare and work in the area of ​​infectious diseases; not have a steady partner, have multiple partners and do not trust the fellow; and yet, do not use condoms, but she notes the vulnerability in another woman. Women with HIV also meant vulnerability, before seropositivity, as multiple partners and do not have stable relationship, however, today, understand as vulnerable the person who does not use condom. It is observed that the two groups of women have a misconception of vulnerability, because they understand vulnerability as risk perception, and although in interactionist perspective, the HIV virus is configured as an important corporate object present in the interaction situation, this way, influence on the construction of meanings and in the action of women.