[Relatives of patients with HIV/AIDS and the care provided at an outpatient unit]

During the development of AIDS, there are changes in the life style of HIV-positive individuals which give rise to adaptation to the new demands within the family. This study, conducted in the outpatient unit of a reference center for HIV/AIDS, had eight participants from the group of relatives of HIV-positive patients. They participated in semi-structured interviews, whose contents were analyzed. These relatives referred to difficulties in dealing with the disease and the patients' aggressiveness in relation to the caretaker. They reported the receipt of resources that enabled them to improve health as well as positive changes regarding the patients, but complained about the delay in care delivery and transportation difficulties. They found relief in the support group. Families that are committed to provide the care to the patients must be received and helped by the healthcare team during adaptation to changes.