VULNERABILITY TO HIV AMONG HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN OVER 50 YEARS OF AGE VULNERABILIDADE AO HIV ENTRE PORTADORAS COM MAIS DE 50 ANOS DE IDADE VULNERABILIDAD AL VIH ENTRE PORTADORAS CON MÁS DE 50 AÑOS DE EDAD

Objective: to identify factors associated with vulnerability to STDs in HIV - positive women, over 50 years of age. Method: a cross-sectional survey with a quantitative approach was used. Data were obtained through an interview addressed towards HIV-positive women enrolled in a specialized service during a period from July to September 2010. Data were organized into spreadsheets and summarized in tables and graphs. Data processing was performed in Bio Stat statistical package, version 3.0 and for the preparation of tables and graphs we used Microsoft Excel 2007. The research project was submitted for consideration by the Research Ethics Committee and was approved under protocol No. 00425/10. Results: out of 32 women, 41% did not use condoms, 50% did not ask their partners to use condoms, 9% had felt safe in maintaining sexual intercourse, 22% reported feeling safe during sex, even without the use of condoms and 50% believed that condom use reduces their partner’s pleasure. Conclusion: several risk factors were identified through interviews with elderly HIV – positive women. Knowing the factors that contribute to increased vulnerability of the elderly to HIV infection is crucial for developing effective strategies for controlling the spread of the virus. Descriptors: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; vulnerability; health of the elderly.