Ethical reflections on the health care of HIV patients

Abstract

This study analyzed ethical aspects in the therapeutic follow-up of patients with HIV via a systematic literature review conducted by searching the PubMed, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, using descriptors in English and Portuguese language, with 169 publications from 2011 to 2021. To avoid bias, the Prisma guidelines were used and the recommendations established by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system were considered to classify the level of evidence. The well-being of HIV patients is associated with the level of interpersonal relationships, quality of treatment and personal beliefs. Stigmatization and fear of the dissemination of the disease in the groups in which they live are the main reasons for distress. Support to patients during the diagnosis and treatment of the disease are fundamental, so that they can better apply their coping strategies.