LA TERAPIA ANTIRRETROVIRAL EN LA VIDA DLARIA DE ADOLESCENTES CONVIH / SIDA

Abstract

Objective: To know the experience of using anti-retroviral therapy for adolescents with HIV/AIDS. Method: Descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative approach, carried out at a Specialized Assistance Service (SAE) in HIV/AIDS. The participants were adolescent HIV/AIDS carriers, aware of their diagnosis. The focus group technique was used for data collection. Thematic analysis technique was used for data analysis. Ethical precepts were respected and the resolution number 466/12 from the National Health Council from the Ministry of Health, which rules the researches involving human beings, was observed. Results: The adolescents expressed how they experience the therapy on a daily bases, explained which strategies they use to adapt more easily to the drug therapy and revealed information concerning the anti-retroviral therapy derived from health professionals; these themes are considered the base to deal with the disease. Conclusion: Living as an adolescent with HIV/ AIDS, as weU as experiencing the adaptation to anti-retroviral therapy are the participants' cultural experiences, emphasized by values and beliefs.