CATEGORIZATION OF ADAPTIVE BEHAVIORS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment is an important barrier to adequate health care. The objective of this study was to characterize people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and exhibit adaptive behaviors in response to treatment, and to compare the control variables for these behaviors. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Outpatients on antiretroviral treatment who had, for more than 12 months, an undetectable viral load and CD4 ≥ 500 cells/mm3 were evaluated. For data collection, the following were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, semi-structured interview, WHOQOL-bref and Cross-sectional Symptom Scale. Quantitative and qualitative analyzes of the data were carried out. Of the 36 participants, the majority were male, with low education and low socioeconomic status. The majority identified two or more sources of social support and did not present severe psychiatric symptoms. There was an adequate perception of general quality of life and satisfaction with health. A statistically significant association was also found between mental health and quality of life. The majority reported having no difficulty with drug treatment and listed motivation related to quality of life, social support and spirituality. Among the main tips offered, persistence in treatment, the search for adequate information and social support stood out. It is concluded that adherence to antiretroviral treatment consists of a collaborative process and co-responsibility in health care. Psychological adaptation to HIV/AIDS associated with satisfaction with available social support and the presence of spirituality encourage adherence and maintenance of treatment and strengthen PLWHA's ability to cope.