Trajetória de vida de jovens homossexuais com HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This is an exploratory and descriptive study of qualitative approach developed in Chapecó SC with the objective of understanding the life trajectory of young homosexuals with HIV/AIDS focusing their experiences with the diagnosis, treatment, prejudices and plans for the future. Four young men aged 18 to 24 years old, homosexuals, from any marital status, living in Chapecó, HIV-positive, and contracted the virus by sex, participated in this study. Data collection was done through interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using the content analysis method. Six categories resulted from the analysis: Characteristics of the participants; how did you find out about HIV ?; confirmation of diagnosis and initiation of treatment; disclosure of the diagnosis to the social network: awakening of prejudice; expectations for the future. It is concluded that it is difficult for young people to disclose their serological status even to those closest to them, resulting from the fear of prejudice and discrimination, still very present in relation to HIV. However, there are those who report that they have not suffered from this unless they have learned of their condition. Treatment, started early after diagnosis and done correctly, reduced the viral load to undetectable levels or nearly raised CD4 levels, which improved the quality of life and reduced the chances of opportunistic disease. The diagnosis was responsible for changes in lifestyle. The plans they have for the future are related to the good quality of life and the expectation of a long and normal life. Nurses play an important role in health promotion and prevention through educational actions in the community, as the study participants became contaminated in adolescence.