What does the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS represent after four decades of epidemic?

Abstract

HIV/AIDS was discovered 41 years ago and important advances have been made for people living with  HIV/AIDS. But were these facts enough to change  diagnostic representation and overcome fear of  suffering prejudice? The objective was to analyze the  representations of HIV/AIDS diagnosis after four decades of epidemic. Exploratory, qualitative research  was carried out in an institution specializing in HIV/AIDS located in Rio de Janeiro. Fourteen patients  over 18 years, both genders, were interviewed,  regardless time of diagnosis. Phenomenological  analysis was performed. The representations evoked  pessimism related to stigmas (contamination,  appearance of ‘aidetic’, imminent death); optimism  (diagnosis as rebirth, looking healthy, diagnosis of  HIV, not AIDS, belonging the group of homosexuals  with HIV); or induction by professionals (HIV as a  chronic disease). A hierarchy of prejudices was  perceived between those who use antiretrovirals to  avoid HIV against those who live with HIV and, the  latter, against those who live with AIDS. Despite the  advances, it was evident the stigmas from the  beginning the epidemic are present, generating  shame and fear. Optimistic representations are related to resignification of stigmas for not having materialized in reality. However, the importance of  confronting stigmas is recognized, with health care  being an important locus of resignification.