HIV/AIDS among the elderly: stigmas in healthcare work and training

Abstract

Abstract The number of HIV/AIDs diagnoses among the elderly is currently increasing both in Brazil and on a global level. The present article describes the results of a qualitative study which aimed to assess the role of health professionals on elderly patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS receiving treatment via the public health service. Nine professionals who made up a specialized HIV/AIDS service in a medium-sized city in the state of Minas Gerais were interviewed. Their statements were subjected to content analysis, and the results suggested that according to the perceptions of the health professionals, the main impacts of the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS are linked to isolation, loneliness, prejudice, fear of revealing the diagnosis and the decrease or interruption of sexual practices. The professionals reported being overburdened both psychologically and in terms of workload, having difficulty addressing aspects of sexuality and sexual practices with the elderly, and admitted to possessing certain stereotypes and prejudices related to HIV/AIDS and the sexuality of the elderly. Through results analysis, it was concluded that the stigma and prejudice related to HIV and the sexuality of the elderly are intimately present in the work processes of the professionals interviewed, impacting on the treatment of such individuals and interfering with their health and illness processes. The discussion of these aspects should be included in health training strategies.