Representações maternas no contexto do HIV: Gestação ao segundo ano da criança

Abstract

This study investigated the mother-child relationship in the context of HIV, from pregnancy until the infant's second year, based on maternal representations. Four HIV-positive mothers aged between 19 and 39 years old participated and were interviewed during their pregnancy and when their babies were 3, 12 and 24 months old. Content analysis was carried out based on two categories of maternal representations: of herself, and of the baby. Results indicated that the mother-child relationship was a mix of satisfactions and challenges related to motherhood, child development and living with HIV. At first, the maternal representations showed a vulnerable infant and a guilty mother who feared the prejudice and social stigma linked to the infection. Over time, the representations indicated a healthier and stronger child, and a less anxious and more secure mother. Concerns about HIV were secondary compared with the challenges posed by child development, especially among mothers who accepted the diagnosis and actively coped with HIV.