[Implications of using antiretroviral therapy on the life style of children with AIDS]

This descriptive, exploratory study was performed using a qualitative approach with the purpose of learning about the life style of children with AIDS and the implications that following a antiretroviral therapy have on them. Participants were five children with ages between 10 and 12 years. Data collection took place after the study was approved by the Review Board and was performed using the Focal Group technique. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis, from which three categories and respective subcategories emerged. This article addresses one of the categories: The child's involvement with the antiretroviral drugs. This category reveals how the children perceive and relate with the antiretroviral therapy. The study findings may serve as supporting information for health professionals, education programs about health care to children living with AIDS.