VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN THE NORTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL

Abstract

Individual and group vulnerabilities of HIV positive people generally result from social, cultural and political factors. The vulnerabilities should be analyzed taking into account the individual and social dimensions, and the policies behind patient care and treatment. Vulnerabilities have three interdependent dimensions: the social, the individual and the programmatic dimension. The aim of this study was to analyze the social, individual and public policy contexts that affect the vulnerabilities of women living with HIV/AIDS in the Reconcavo da Bahia. This was a qualitative and descriptive research, and data were obtained by means of a semi structured interview applied to 26 women that attended the Centro de Testagem Viva Vida. From the women’s statements it may be concluded that in terms of social, individual and programmatic vulnerability all of them experienced fear of death, discrimination, stigma and prejudice. It was also observed that with regard to heterosexualization, interiorization, feminization, impoverishment and blackening the disease has in the Reconcavo the same profile it has nationwide.