Social representations and hiv/aids: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Objective: To investigate issues addressed in the scientific productions available in online journals about HIV/Aids and of social representations during the 2004 to 2014 timeframe. Method: It is an integrative literature review. The data collection occurred in October 2014, based on searches in LILACS, BDENF, SCIELO and Index Psi technical and scientific Journals databases. Results: The sample consisted of 26 publications whose approach raised three categories: social representations of the HIV/Aids phenomenon; social representations about people living with HIV/Aids; social representations about health care to HIV-positive people. Conclusion: The analyzed articles express the importance of social representations in creation processes and changes related to the disease, both for the patients, as well as for professionals and caregivers, who can present different behaviors upon health practices.