Psychosocial impact of HIV/aids diagnosis on elderly persons receiving care from a public healthcare service

The current increase in the number of elderly people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents a major challenge to healthcare professionals, public policies and the general population, in terms of the need to discuss the role of sexuality and sexual practices in the aging process and the impact of these issues on health promotion for the elderly. The aim of the present study was to identify the psychosocial impact of HIV/Aids diagnosis on elderly persons receiving care in a public healthcare service, based on the perception of the individuals themselves. A qualitative research study of an exploratory nature was performed, based on individual semi-structured interviews with HIV-positive elderly patients, living in the mid-west macro-region of Minas Gerais. Analysis of the results suggested that, according to the 14 patients interviewed, HIV diagnosis involves changes in the way they relate to people; in self-care; in sexual practices; in the performance of daily activities and in the possibility of continuing to participate in social groups. The patients reported embarrassment, fear of rejection and discrimination, and experiences of isolation and facing prejudice. Based on the results, it can be concluded that most of the problems faced by older people are linked to socially constructed stigmas and stereotypes associated with the disease and the efforts made by such individuals to keep the diagnosis a secret. O atual avanço do número de pessoas idosas infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) representa um desafio aos profissionais de saúde, às políticas públicas e à população em geral no que concerne à necessidade de discutir sexualidade, práticas sexuais no processo de envelhecimento e o impacto dessas questões na promoção de saúde da pessoa idosa. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar os impactos psicossociais do diagnóstico de HIV/aids em pessoas idosas em atendimento em um serviço público de saúde, a partir da percepção dos sujeitos entrevistados. O estudo caracterizou-se como uma pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com pacientes idosos soropositivos para HIV, residentes na macrorregião Centro-Oeste de Minas Gerais. A análise dos resultados permite afirmar que, de acordo com os 14 pacientes entrevistados, o diagnóstico de HIV/aids implica uma reorganização na maneira como se relacionam com pessoas; no autocuidado; nas práticas sexuais; na rea