Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Memories of Elderly People

Abstract

Objective: To reveal the memories of elderly people about living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with a descriptive analytical character, a qualitative approach and theoretical-methodological support for the Theory of Collective Memory and the Theory of Social Representations. Carried out with 38 seniors. A questionnaire was used with sociodemographic data, health conditions and a script for a semi-structured interview. Data analysis took place with the support of the QRS NVivo® Software and in the light of Bardin’s Content Analysis. Results: The following categories emerged: family and partner relationships and post-diagnosis sexuality. The elderly person’s memories evoke relational losses, the family social framework, recalled with feelings of abandonment, blame, the relationship extends to married life. Sexuality, maintained by the majority, with a change in behavior towards the practice of safe sex. Conclusion: From the memories of elderly people living with the human immunodeficiency virus, the losses acquired in living with the disease are revealed, among them, the family social framework stands out, recalled with feelings of abandonment, blame that, often, makes isolation in his lonely life the only option.