Women with HIV/AIDS: fragments of their hidden face

The study aimed at determining factors that generate the fear visiting upon HIV-positive women and consequences in routine family, work and social life relations. The method employed is of qualitative nature Women with HIV/AIDS that were followed at the Health Clinic of S?o Leopoldo-RS were focused. Data collection was performed by a semi-structured interview, seeking 18 women, from 23 to 55 years old. Discrimination in the family and at the workplace and loss of friends constitute a factor of constant fear and exert an influence on the women's social behavior. The fear is also related to the women's image and social isolation.