Experiência da adesão ao tratamento entre mulheres com Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/ Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida HIV/AIDS Treatment Regimens Adherence in Women*

ABSTRACT Objective : To understand HIV/AIDS treatment regimens adherence experience in women. Methods : An ethnographic study, based on theinterpretative anthropology framework, was conducted with women who were participating in an “Adherence Group” at a public hospital.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations from January to December 2007. Results : Fourcategories emerged: (1) confronting the values regarding the experience in participating in treatment regimens adherence, (2) the singularexperience to the treatment regimens adherence, (3) customs and practices regarding the experience in participating in the treatmentregimens adherence, and (4) caring in the interpersonal relationships. Conclusion : The HIV/AIDS regimens adherence experience wasunique to each participant; however, women speeches suggest directions for effective HIV/AIDS treatment regimens adherence. Eachwomen unique experience may show others ways to come out of the shadows of a stigmatizing diagnosis.