Aids as a disease of the others: an analysis of women's vulnerability

Abstract

Objective: To describe the women's perception in a stable relationship, about the female vulnerability to acquire Aids. Method: Descriptive, qualitative research accomplished in 2008 in a University Campus in Rio de Janeiro. Interviews were carried out with 15 women, who declare themselves as in a stable relationship, of different educational levels, ethnic origins and religions. The study complied with the requirements of the National Research Ethics Committee. For data analysis was used the content analysis. Results: The interviewees considerated women in stable relationship vulnerable when trusting the partner, for not using preservative and for the lack of information. Taboos and shame were showed as obstacles for prevention. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the interviewees recognize the other women as vulnerable since they exclude themselves from vulnerable groups. One of the challenges for AIDS prevention is to revert this low perception related to risk of these women.