The social representations of people living with HIV: self-perception of the ego-ecological identity

Abstract

To understand the ego-ecological identity of the person living with HIV and to analyze the influences exerted by the health professional on these individuals. The research is a qualitative approach, with theoretical and methodological basis in the Theory of Social Representations. Phrase-complementing interviews were conducted with 20 people living with HIV who receive care at the immunology laboratory of a university hospital. The population profile of the study had a positive influence on dealing with the problem, given the older age and treatment time; despite this, negative social stigmas were still present. It was emphasized the health professional with transformation potential, being the same linked to the qualified offer of care. Finally, it was concluded that there are still prejudices and taboos directed at people living with HIV, thus indicating the need for a careful look at the biopsychosocial vulnerabilities of this population.