HIV positive mothers' beliefs about mother-to-child transmission

Lis Aparecida de Souza Neves1, Elucir Gir

  • 1University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing - WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brasil. lisapneves@yahoo.com.br

Beliefs can influence health behavior. This qualitative study aimed to understand the beliefs that influence HIV positive mothers' behaviors towards prevention methods against mother-to-child transmission. Fourteen women were interviewed. Our research was based on the theoretical Health Belief Model, formed by the following dimensions: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived obstacles. Data analysis showed reflections that evidence the paradox in the AIDS epidemic: knowledge does not change behavior; gender relations; fear of death; fear of stigma; financial problems; disbelief in the virus' existence. Identifying beliefs and understanding how to influence the conduction of the health problem can help services to promote patients' adherence.

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