Mulheres que geram filhos expostos ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana: representações sociais da maternidade

Abstract

Descriptive and qualitative study aimed to identify the social representations of motherhood in women bearing children exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Performed between February and March 2011 in a hospital considered a benchmark in caring for people with HIV, with ten biological mothers with at least one child born exposed to the virus. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Analysis of the testimonials determined the categories: guilt and fear of giving birth to a child with HIV, discrimination and concealment of having HIV, child overprotection, lack of family support, and religiosity as a way of coping. The social representations of the women was an organization of meanings that acted as a system for interpreting reality, governing the relations with the physical and social environment, thus determining behaviors and practices. Furthermore, there is a need for skilled health care and a social network of support for promoting health.

doi: 10.5216/ree.v16i4.22760.