HIV/AIDS: a look into the perceptions of those living with a chronic diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: Being diagnosed with a chronic condition is deemed to be a significant and critical time of a person's life. Objective: To identify the impact of HIV diagnosis on the lives of those affected. Materials and Methods: Qualitative research conducted with 10 patients in a Specialized Care Service, in a municipality south of Brazil. Data were collected through an interview and were interpreted based on a thematic analysis. Results: It was noted that the initial impact of HIV diagnosis is perceived as a death sentence by those diagnosed. Furthermore, when people begin to live with the virus, they have to adapt their routines and adopt new views on their relations with others. Discussion: The HIV impact goes beyond diagnosis, since the person is living under a stigma, prejudice and social isolation. It thus is imperative for health professionals to be ready to communicate and assist in the diagnosis and life experience of the person carrying the virus. Conclusions: Care offered to people who carry the virus should be provided in a comprehensive manner, focusing on improving their quality of life; therefore, multi-professional care is critical to achieve comprehensiveness and effectiveness in healthcare actions.