Abstract

HERRERA, Cristina; CAMPERO, Lourdes; CABALLERO, Marta  and  KENDALL, Tamil. Relationship between physicians and HIV patients: influence on adherence and quality of life. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.2, pp. 249-255. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000200009.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of the relationship between people living with HIV/AIDS and health care providers on treatment adherence and quality of life. METHODS: Qualitative study conducted in Mexico, in 2003, with informants recruited from HIV/AIDS support groups, non-governmental organizations, and infectious disease clinics in public hospitals. A total of 40 people living with HIV/AIDS and five support group leaders were interviewed. Data were collected using sociodemographic questionnaires and in-depth interviews exploring the experience of living with HIV/AIDS, including treatment, disease perception, quality of life, physical and emotional health, and relationship with physicians. Responses were recorded, transcribed and organized thematically based on codes using an inductive analysis. RESULTS: Most respondents aged between 26 and 45 years. The main obstacles to care were related to lack of risk awareness and information among people living with HIV/AIDS and physicians. Physicians proved not to be well trained on HIV/AIDS care. During the follow-up care, most problems were related to inadequate treatment adherence mainly caused by poor communication with physicians and discrimination in public services. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the problems identified were related to information deficiencies, physicians' lack of training and paternalism, and social stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS associated with the epidemic.

Keywords : Physician-Patient Relations; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [prevention & control]; Health Knowledge [Attitudes, Health Practice]; Qualitative Research.