Prevention of hiv Sexual Transmission in Serodiscordant Couples: Perceptions of People Living With HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Background. The prevention strategies of HIV infection has been reinforced by the extended access of condoms and the Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after sexual exposure to HIV. The study aimed to describe the perceptions of people with HIV/AIDS about the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV in the context of serodiscordance. Method: Study descriptive and exploratory. Two focus groups were conducted with the participation of 13 HIV-positives persons in serodiscordant relationships: one group (n=7) with people in a stable partnership and the other (n=6) in a partnership not stable. The reports were analyzed and categorized from its content. Results: A third percent of the participants were aware of PEP. It was a consensus that in non stable relationships it is easier to use prevention strategies then in stable relationships. Some advantages of the new policies were mentioned, as well as the fear that prevention strategies might be neglect. Discussion: Results pointed to positive aspects about the new strategies for prevention of HIV infection adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, but still pose challenges to their implementation.