Social Representations of Communitarian Health’s Agents about AIDS

This research had as objective to gather the social representations (RS) of Communitarian Health’s Agents (ACS’s) regarding AIDS. Seventy ACS’s of both genders and average age of 26 years participated in this study. It was utilized as instruments the Test of Free Association of Words (TALP) and semi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alessandra Ramos Castanha, Ludgleydson Fernandes de Araújo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie 2006-01-01
Series:Psicologia
Subjects:
Online Access:http://editorarevistas.mackenzie.br/index.php/ptp/article/view/1009/730
Description
Summary:This research had as objective to gather the social representations (RS) of Communitarian Health’s Agents (ACS’s) regarding AIDS. Seventy ACS’s of both genders and average age of 26 years participated in this study. It was utilized as instruments the Test of Free Association of Words (TALP) and semi-structured interviews. The material collected by the TALP was processed by the Tri-deux-mots software through the factorial analysis of correspondence whereas the material from the interviews was categorized by the thematic analysis of the content. The results indicated the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was anchored to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (DST’s) and it is represented as an incurable disease in which the suffering is embraced by the imminent death as well as by the prejudice. The main ways of transmission were oral sex, anal sex, contaminated syringes, blood transfusion and maternal milk. The prevention includes the use of condoms, seminars, information and family’s support. It is necessary the conception of public policies of education and promotion in health for the ACS’s with the aim of make it available the theoretical-practical resources for the prevention against DST’s and AIDS.
ISSN:1516-3687
1980-6906