PURPOSE: To describe life changes among women with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. METHODS: The study was conducted in Fortaleza, CE with 10 women from December 2004 to March 2005. Data were collected through taped interviews regarding women oral history of their physical alterations, changes in daily life and life-style, and experiences with sexuality. RESULTS: Data were organized by themes. Women verbalized difficulties and conflicts regarding the need to hide the diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome because of prejudice and shame, constant expectation of death, alterations of their body, life-style change, altered sexuality, feeling guilty, stigma and prejudice regarding the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that women considered the stigmatization changes. There is a need for health care services that promote support to women with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and their family to cope with the diagnosis and its management.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Women's health; Prejudice
