Maksud I, V V, Parker R, Raxach JC, Murchison L, Passarelli C; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. F12269.
Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Topics:The purpose of this work is to sensitize public health professionals to the relationships of HIV serodiscordant couples. DESCRIPTION: Focal groups were formed and interviews held with health professionals from the public health network (doctors, psychologists, nurses and social workers). LESSONS LEARNED: The theme enjoys some repercussion among professionals who want to know how to 'orient' the person involved in a serodiscordant relationship. Practice and discourse both point to a conflict between the scientific and the moral. A very striking example of this opposition is the question of reproduction. Some technical possibilities (through AZT treatment) are available in the health services for seropositive pregnant women. In some contexts, one could talk in terms of prevention by means of assisted reproduction; however, the gestation of seropositive women goes beyond any technical success that their pregnancy might enjoy. The issue reveals the positioning of professionals in favor of or against the fact, often based more on a question of values than the technical competence conferred on them by their professional qualifications. Despite the risk of 'vertical transmission," there is also a social risk, symbolically associated with reproduction in the context of seropositivity. It was also verified among health professionals that conjugality is closely linked to the treatment and may bear an influence on their adhesion. Such questions underscore the fact that the private sphere considerably affects the doctor-patient relation. RECOMMENDATIONS: This project exposes the need to strengthen the theme of serodiscordance in the prevention agenda. A Brazilian seminar was held on the subject in order to sensitize the health system, further more successful health practices and policies, develop strategies to promote support for couples, and so on. A manual will be published offering guidance to health professionals.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Brazil
- Counseling
- Delivery of Health Care
- Disease Transmission, Vertical
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Health
- Health Personnel
- Health Planning
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Health Services
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Physician-Patient Relations
- Pregnancy
- Primary Health Care
- Public Health
- Social Work
- transmission
Other ID:
UI: 102258728
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