Abstract
Pre- and post-HIV test counseling has singular importance in adolescence, since it is a phase of great changes, and AIDS is an incurable chronic disease. In order to comprehend the perception of young people with AIDS diagnosed in adolescence regarding the counseling received upon testing, we conducted 39 in-depth interviews, with 23 in female patients and 16 male patients, and then analyzed the data with extensive reading, categorization and interpretation on a comprehensive basis. The results revealed that less than one third received pre-test counseling (30.8%), which often was limited to the explanation of the reason of the test, and 51.2% were counseled post-test. We found that most patients were unaccompanied when receiving the communication of their seropositivity, some of which were later informed by the adolescent's guardian. Some patients felt secure after counseling, realizing that the disease is something that would not change their lives, if they properly followed the guidelines. On the other hand, the feelings of desperation and suicide expressed by some of the patients may have been influenced by the lack of adequate counseling. We have concluded that, for the improved management of the epidemic, there is a need to enhance the communications of health professionals, especially those that are in primary care, pre-natal services, gynecology and family health strategy.
Highlights
In Brazil, the population group between 13 and 19-years-old continues to demonstrate increasing rates of AIDS incidence
Pre- and post-HIV test counseling has singular importance in adolescence, since it is a phase of great changes, and AIDS is an incurable chronic disease
The results revealed that less than one third received pre-test counseling (30.8%), which often was limited to the explanation of the reason of the test, and 51.2% were counseled posttest
Summary
In Brazil, the population group between 13 and 19-years-old continues to demonstrate increasing rates of AIDS incidence. Counseling upon anti-HIV testing is recommended by the Ministry of Health[3] and is a procedure of active listening, individualized and patient-centered. The counseling process includes three components: emotional support, educational support and risk assessment. The educational support deals with the exchange of information on STDs and HIV/AIDS, as well as the means of transmission, prevention and treatment. The risk assessment provides a reflection on values, attitudes and behaviors, including the planning of strategies for risk reduction. It contributes to a trustworthy relationship between health professional and patient, making the individual the agent in the process of prevention and self-care, as well as an important reference for disease control
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