Demands and expectations of users of HIV testing and counseling centers

To analyze the characteristics, demands and expectations of users of an HIV testing and counseling center.

Qualitative research carried out with 32 users of a testing and counseling center in the state of Minas Gerais (southeastern Brazil), from November 2005 to March 2006. The open semi-structured interview technique was used, as well as an adaptation of the content analysis method. Thematic modality was employed.

Lack of knowledge regarding the service, difficulty in perceiving oneself as vulnerable to infection, justifications of not belonging to risk groups, fear of embarrassment and of precarious care emerged as important limitations to the access to the testing and counseling center.

A paradox was identified in the users' discourse between the participative aspect in overcoming vulnerability and the search for pragmatic solutions for excluding risk. Their demands signaled strategies that should contain: high-quality information and access to the service and to prevention and health promotion discourses.