OBJECTIVE: To understand HIV/AIDS treatment regimens adherence experience in women. METHODS: An ethnographic study, based on the interpretative anthropology framework, was conducted with women who were participating in an "Adherence Group" at a public hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations from January to December 2007. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: (1) confronting the values regarding the experience in participating in treatment regimens adherence, (2) the singular experience to the treatment regimens adherence, (3) customs and practices regarding the experience in participating in the treatment regimens adherence, and (4) caring in the interpersonal relationships. CONCLUSION: The HIV/AIDS regimens adherence experience was unique to each participant; however, women speeches suggest directions for effective HIV/AIDS treatment regimens adherence. Each women unique experience may show others ways to come out of the shadows of a stigmatizing diagnosis.
HIV infections; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Antiretroviral therapy, highly active; Nursing care; Patient Acceptance of health care