VULNERABILITY AND PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HIV TRANSMISSION AMONG HIV/AIDS SERODISCORDANT COUPLES

This exploratory, descriptive study aimed to describe and analyze the vulnerability of HIV serodiscordant couples. The research was developed at an Aids Outpatient Service in a city in the State of Sao Paulo. Data were collected through individual interviews with 11 HIV/AIDS carriers who had a known serodiscordant partner. Prose analysis was applied for data organization and analyses, and the concept of vulnerability was used as a theoretical reference. The naturalization of HIV/AIDS related to an undetectable viral load, the invulnerability feeling that stems from the time spent together by the couple, and its influence in the maintenance of safe sex are vulnerability factors for seronegative sexual partners. Specialized services to assist HIV/AIDS carriers need to include sexual partners in actions promoted by healthcare professionals targeting prevention and/or education.