Santiesteban DYM, Gala GA, Aragonés LC, Pérez AJ

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 44-54
PDF size: 143.74 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Exposure to HIV infection, with conscious participation of the vulnerable individual, is a complex problem that has spread rapidly, especially among men who have sex with men.
Objective: To define how the infection occurs taking into account the individual's contribution to the exposure and the elements that characterize such contribution.
Methods: A qualitative study with discussion groups was conducted to explore the criteria and perceptions of people with HIV/AIDS about the ways of exposure to infection. An intentional sample of homogeneous groups was selected. The answers and comments of the discussion groups were weighted to give them a hierarchical order.
Results: Six discussion groups were held. The main concepts were unavoided infection and intentional infection, the latter referred to the conscious or participatory exposure of the individual. In addition, the overall risk of infection for the entire Cuban population, regardless of their degree of participation (based on the HIV prevalence rate in Cuba) was defined as accidental infection. Different categories were generated for each concept describing the manner and purpose of exposure to HIV infection.
Conclusions: Different individual behavioral profiles are conditioned by complex factors that lead not to avoid exposure and, in many cases, even intentionally seek HIV infection. Appropriate intervention strategies could help timely identify and control these patterns in the population at greater risk.