Social representations of sexuality developed by women in the context of Aids

This study aimed to understand the social representations of sexuality, developed by women aged 50 and older with or without HIV/AIDS. This was a research with qualitative approach, based on Social Representations Theory, carried out in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, with 44 women, 22 diagnosed with and 22 d...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Solange Gurgel Alexandre, Maria Lúcia Duarte Pereira, Raquel Santos Monte, Eysler Gonçalves Maia, Jemima Samela Marques Barbosa, Sammya Karla Borges Moura
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidade Federal do Ceará 2013-05-01
Series:Rev Rene
Online Access:http://www.revistarene.ufc.br/revista/index.php/revista/article/view/39/pdf_1
Description
Summary:This study aimed to understand the social representations of sexuality, developed by women aged 50 and older with or without HIV/AIDS. This was a research with qualitative approach, based on Social Representations Theory, carried out in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, with 44 women, 22 diagnosed with and 22 diagnosed without HIV/AIDS. We used the techniques of semi-structured interview and non-systematic observation. Data were submitted to content analysis and two main categories were verified: concepts on HIV/AIDS and experiences of sexuality. The results showed that for the women living with the disease there was a mix of anxiety, stigma, socioeconomic difficulties, disruption of emotional bonds, guilt and fear. Among women diagnosed without, a low perception of the risk of acquiring the infection and the fear of discovering the seropositivity, come from the misinformation on the disease. Studies on the issues of HIV/AIDS infection in women aged 50 and older should be widely encouraged, in order to support the development of actions and prevention programs addressed to this population.
ISSN:1517-3852
2175-6783