Spirituality, religiosity, and their representations for people living with HIV: daily life and its experiences

Abstract

Objective: To describe the process of living with HIV/AIDS in the daily life of people living with HIV in its interface with the social representations of spirituality and religiosity. Method: Qualitative research, supported by the theory of social representations. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 32 people undergoing treatment for HIV in an outpatient clinic specialized in HIV/AIDS. Analysis carried out with the support of software IRAMUTEQ. Results: Participants were mostly men, aged over 51 years, Catholic, and living with the virus for more than 10 years. IRAMUTEQ generated three classes, in which the influence of spirituality and religiosity as a promoter of strength to face the infection and the difficulties in the process of coping with the diagnosis was observed, as well as the importance of the support network, and the naturalization of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: The participants make associations between spirituality and the transcendent and divine; religiosity was anchored to religion and its experience, with both being a source of support and strength. Therefore, it is important to make room for the patient to talk about their spiritual/religious needs.