介紹.與確診多年的HIV陽性男男性接觸者（MSM）相比，新確診的HIV陽性男男性接觸者（N-MSM）傳播HIV的危險性更高，承受更多的心理健康問題，但愛滋病相關知識相對缺乏。目前的研究已經描述了N-MSM的心理健康和危險行為情況，但關於二者影響因素的調查卻甚少，且暫無關於N-MSM獨特相關因素，如疾病認知，安全套使用認知，安全使用的社會道德等的研究报告。目前，中國只有少量關於HIV陽性MSM的研究，無關於N-MSM的研究。 / 目的.本研究的目的包括： 1）描述中國N-MSM的心理健康和危險行為情況；2）驗證疾病認知量表在N-MSM人群的適應性；3）探討N-MSM疾病認知與心理健康（自殺意念，抑鬱，自我歧視和創傷後成長）的關係，並進一步研究在認知表徵與心理健康結果關係中，情感表徵的仲介作用與交互作用； 4）探索疾病認知與心理因素（抑鬱、自我歧視和創傷後成長）對自殺意念的獨立作用與交互作用；和5）研究愛滋病傳播相關危險行為的多方面因素。 / 對象與方法：本研究採用橫斷面研究設計，對中國成都共225名N-MSM進行了面對面訪談和電腦輔助移動電話訪談。根據Moss-Morris的方法，驗證疾病認知問卷的信度及效度； 使用單變量、多變量及分層的logistic和線性回歸等方法進行資料分析。 / 結果.在225名研究對象中，48%有自殺意念和抑鬱表現，35%自我歧視得分較高，17%有積極的創傷後成長。N-MSM的危險行為普遍存在：31%在確診感染後發生過非保護肛交性行為，40%認為在未來6個月意願與HIV陰性男性發生非保護肛交性行為，20%在感染後想過故意將HIV傳染給別人。經驗證，疾病認知問卷在N-MSM中具有良好的心理測量特徵。疾病認知的多個維度，如情感反應和治療控制等，與心理健康結果顯著相關。在認知表徵與心理健康結果的關係中，情感表徵表現出強烈的仲介作用。兩個疾病認知維度（情感反應與治療控制）和兩個心理因素（抑鬱和創傷後成長）對自殺意念有獨立作用，但無交互作用。影響N-MSM危險行為的多方面因素包括安全套相關認知，情感因素，心理健康和社會道德。 / 結論.本研究結果顯示中國N-MSM心理健康問題和危險行為是普遍存在的。疾病認知與心理健康結果的顯著聯繫，提示了可以通過改善N-MSM的疾病認知從而減少該人群的心理健康問題；在HIV領域中，這是一個新的研究方向。在對N-MSM危險行為的幹預研究中，需考慮影響N-MSM的獨特因素，如安全套相關認知，情感反應和社會責任等。 / Introduction.Newly diagnosed HIV positive men who have sex with men (N-MSM) comprise a special subgroup of HIV positive MSM, as they have higher risks of transmission via anal sex, suffer from more mental health problems, and possess less knowledge of HIV/AIDS than those who have been diagnosed for many years. Previous studies have investigated the prevalence of mental health and risk behaviours among N-MSMs, while few studies have explored the risk factors associated with these health-related outcomes, particularly the factors unique to N-MSMs, like illness perception, cognitions regarding condom use, social morality of condom use, etc. China provides only limited data about HIV positive MSM, and no such data is about N-MSMs. / Objectives.The aims of the study were to 1) investigate the characteristics of mental health and risk behaviours among N-MSMs in China; 2) validate the revised illness perception questionnaire (IPQ-R) modified for N-MSMs; 3) examine the effects of patients’ illness perception on their mental health outcomes and determine the mediating or moderating effects of emotional representation on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes; 4) examine the main effects and interaction effects of illness perception and psychological variables on suicidal ideation; and 5) investigate the multidimensional factors associated with risk behaviours related to HIV transmission. / Subjects and Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chengdu, China. A total of 225 N-MSMs participated in this study. Both face-to-face and computer-assisted mobile phone interviews were applied. The methodology by Moss-Morris was used to validate IPQ-R among N-MSMs. Univariate, multivariate, hierarchical logistic, and linear regression methods were used for data analysis. / Results.Of all participants, 48% had suicidal ideation and depression, and 36% reported self-stigma, but only 17% experienced posttraumatic growth (PTG). Risk behaviours were prevalent: 32% had had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) since HIV diagnosis, 40% had the intention to have UAI with HIV negative men in the coming 6 months, and 20% had had thoughts of transmitting HIV to others purposely since HIV diagnosis. The modified IPQ-R for N-MSMs was validated and found to have acceptable psychometric properties. Most dimensions of illness perception (such as emotional response, treatment control and consequences) were significantly associated with mental health outcomes. Emotional representation had strong mediation effects rather than moderator effects on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes. Two illness perception dimensions (emotional response and treatment control) and two psychological variables (depression and PTG) showed independent effects on suicidal ideation, but not interaction effects on suicidal ideation. Multidimensional factors, such as variables related to cognitions of condom use, emotional affect (feelings of guilt regarding HIV transmission to others), mental health, and social morality (perceptions regarding responsibility for condom use), were associated with risk behaviours among N-MSMs. / Conclusions.The results show that mental health problems and risk behaviours are prevalent among Chinese N-MSM. Illness perception has a strong influence on mental health outcomes, indicating a new direction for the reduction of mental health problems via the modification of patients’ illness perception. Multidimensional factors are associated with risk behaviours related to HIV transmission, such as cognitions of condom use, emotional affection and social morality, which are unique to HIV infectors and should be considered in the development of intervention programs among N-MSMs. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wu, Xiaobing. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257-276). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / List of Contents --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Figures --- p.xv / Abbreviations --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- The importance of HIV positive men who have sex with men as a source of HIV transmission --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- The importance of newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM (N-MSM) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Knowledge gaps about N-MSM --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Illness perception as a relative new perceptive in HIV research --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Aims --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Structure of the thesis --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Summary --- p.15 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature review --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1 --- HIV epidemic --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Global HIV/AIDS epidemic --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- HIV/AIDS in China --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- MSM and HIV --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- HIV epidemic among MSM worldwide --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM in China --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Risk sexual behavior among HIV positive MSM and its determinants --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Mental health problems faced by HIV positive MSM --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Studies of PLWH in China --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- Newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM (N-MSM) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- HIV transmission risk varies at different stages of HIV infection --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- More risky sexual behavior among N-MSM --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- More stress and lack of knowledge among N-MSM --- p.46 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Definition of N-MSM --- p.47 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Studies about N-MSM --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4 --- Self-regulation model and illness representation --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Self-regulation model --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Illness representation --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Application of illness representation in HIV research --- p.60 / Chapter 2.5 --- Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Types of questionnaire deliver modes --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Comparisons of sexual behavior reporting between ACASI and other delivery modes --- p.63 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Limitations of ACASI --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Subjects and Methods --- p.67 / Chapter 3.1 --- The study site --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2 --- Study population --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3 --- Recruitment of study participants --- p.68 / Chapter 3.4 --- Data collection procedure --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Face-to-face interview --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Computer-assisted mobile phone interview --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Service provision and incentives --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Sample size and the representativeness --- p.71 / Chapter 3.5 --- Quality control --- p.71 / Chapter 3.6 --- Establishment of the CAMP system --- p.72 / Chapter 3.7 --- Collaborator --- p.73 / Chapter 3.8 --- Measurements --- p.74 / Chapter 3.9 --- Statistical analysis --- p.83 / Chapter 3.10 --- Ethical approval --- p.85 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Participant profiles --- p.86 / Chapter 4.1 --- Background --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2 --- Objectives --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Background information --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Mental health outcomes --- p.88 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- HIV secondary transmission related behaviours --- p.90 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Service utilization and quality of life --- p.94 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.95 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Validation of the revised illness perception questionnaire among newly diagnosed HIV positive MSMs --- p.111 / Chapter 5.1 --- Background --- p.111 / Chapter 5.2 --- Objectives --- p.112 / Chapter 5.3 --- Modification and translation --- p.113 / Chapter 5.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.114 / Chapter 5.5 --- Results --- p.116 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Items of the main cognitive representation subscales --- p.116 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Items of the emotional response subscale --- p.117 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Items of the causal attribution subscale --- p.118 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- Examination of the identity subscale --- p.118 / Chapter 5.5.5 --- Descriptions of the derived subscales --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5.6 --- Inter-correlations among subscales --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5.7 --- External validity --- p.120 / Chapter 5.5.8 --- Associations between background variables and illness perception --- p.120 / Chapter 5.6 --- Discussion --- p.121 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Relationships between illness perception and mental health outcomes among N-MSM --- p.132 / Chapter 6.1 --- Background --- p.132 / Chapter 6.2 --- Objectives --- p.134 / Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.136 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Analysis of the associations between illness perception and mental health outcomes --- p.136 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Analysis of the mediation effects of emotional response on the associations between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.137 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Analysis of moderating effects of emotional response on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes --- p.139 / Chapter 6.4 --- Results --- p.140 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Suicidal ideation --- p.140 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Depression --- p.142 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Self-stigma --- p.145 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Posttraumatic growth --- p.147 / Chapter 6.5 --- Summary --- p.149 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Associations between illness perception and health related outcomes --- p.149 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- Summary of the mediation effects of emotional response on the association between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.150 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- Summary of the moderating effects of emotional response on the association between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.150 / Chapter 6.6 --- Discussion --- p.151 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- The main and interaction effects of illness perception and other psychological variables on suicidal ideation among N-MSM --- p.177 / Chapter 7.1 --- Background --- p.177 / Chapter 7.2 --- Objectives and hypothesis --- p.179 / Chapter 7.3 --- Data analysis and results --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.1 --- Associated factors of suicidal ideation in univariate analysis --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.2 --- The associations between illness perception / psychological variables and suicidal ideation --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.3 --- The independent effects of emotional response/treatment control and psychological variables on suicidal ideation --- p.182 / Chapter 7.3.4 --- Analysis of the interaction effects between illness perception and psychological variables onto suicidal ideation --- p.184 / Chapter 7.4 --- Discussion --- p.184 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Risk behaviours related to HIV transmission and associated factors --- p.197 / Chapter 8.1 --- Background --- p.197 / Chapter 8.2 --- Objectives --- p.199 / Chapter 8.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.202 / Chapter 8.4 --- Results --- p.203 / Chapter 8.4.1 --- Factors associated with having had UAI with men since HIV diagnosis --- p.203 / Chapter 8.4.2 --- Factors associated with intention to have UAI with HIV negative men in the coming 6 months --- p.205 / Chapter 8.4.3 --- Factors associated with having the thoughts of transmitting HIV to others purposively since HIV diagnosis --- p.206 / Chapter 8.5 --- Discussion --- p.207 / Chapter Chapter 9 --- Conclusions --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1 --- Summaries and interpretations of findings related to mental health --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1.1 --- Poor mental health status --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1.2 --- A validated revised illness perception questionnaire (IPQ-R) among N-MSM --- p.226 / Chapter 9.1.3 --- Strong associations between illness perception and mental health outcomes --- p.226 / Chapter 9.1.4 --- Significant associations between illness perception / other psychological variables and suicidal ideation --- p.227 / Chapter 9.2 --- Summaries and interpretations of findings related to risk behaviours --- p.228 / Chapter 9.2.1 --- Prevalent risk behaviours --- p.228 / Chapter 9.2.2 --- Factors affecting the risk behaviours related to HIV transmission and implications --- p.229 / Chapter 9.3 --- Service implications --- p.231 / Chapter 9.3.1 --- Intervention programs for reducing mental health problems --- p.231 / Chapter 9.3.2 --- Intervention programs for reducing risk behaviours related to HIV transmission --- p.233 / Chapter 9.3.3 --- Policy support in HIV prevention --- p.236 / Chapter 9.4 --- Study limitations --- p.238 / Chapter 9.5 --- Recommendations for future research --- p.239 / Chapter 9.5.1 --- Longitudinal studies --- p.239 / Chapter 9.5.2 --- Behavioural studies --- p.240 / Chapter 9.5.3 --- Intervention studies --- p.240 / Chapter 9.6 --- Conclusions --- p.241 / Chapter Appendix I --- Questionnaire for face-to-face interview --- p.243 / Chapter Appendix II --- Questionnaire for computer-assisted mobile phone interview --- p.254 / Reference --- p.257

Conclusions The results showed that depression is prevalent among Chinese PLWH and perceived discrimination is a source of stress. Perceived stress, social support and coping strategies had independent effects on mental health outcomes but there were no interaction effects. The Brief COPE was validated and had a structure different from the original, again supporting the importance of cultural variations. Our results hence provided useful instrumentations (PSSHIV and Brief COPE) as well as a good foundation for the development of theories and interventions specific to the needs of the PLWH in China. / Introduction Mental health issues are prevalent among People Living with HIV (PLWH). Instrumentation, conceptualization and theoretical models of stress-coping-mental health relationships among PLWH are important but theoretical and practical differences exist in the context of different cultures and quality of care services. / Objectives The aims of the study were 1) to develop a new Perceived Stress Scale for People Living with HIV (PSSHIV); 2) to validate the Brief COPE inventory among Chinese PLWH; 3) to investigate determinants of perceived stress and psychological well-being. / Results The newly developed PSSHIV and the rearranged version of the Brief COPE were validated and found to have acceptable psychometric properties. Of all participants, 63.3% showed moderate/severe depressive symptoms. 'Problem-solving and Acceptance' and 'Self-blame and Denial' were commonly used coping strategies. Socioeconomic status (SES), perceived discrimination, and optimism were significantly associated with overall stress and some of the subscales of PSSHIV. Perceived stress appeared to mediate the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being. In addition to perceived stress, social support and some particular coping strategies were associated with depression. Similar though not identical results were found using quality of life as the outcome. / Subject and Methods To achieve Aim 1, PLWH in two Chinese cities were interviewed for item generation and validation. Aims 2 to 4 were achieved through another survey conducted in the same cities. Participants were recruited from the registry of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from users of hospital services and Methadone Maintenance Treatment clinics. Standard statistical methods were used for validation studies. / Su, Xiaoyou. / Adviser: Tak Fai Joseph Lau. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-206). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

The purpose of this study was to explore HIV/AIDS client experiences with supportive services. The consumption of social services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS has assumed increasing importance. This is a crucial population that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment in order to remain active and productive for longer periods of time.

The purpose of this study was to measure the level of self-efficacy in coping methods among people living with HIV/AIDS.

This thesis explores the history of AIDS activism 'from both sides of the bed', by doctors and gay patients, in the 1980s and early 1990s. Such AIDS activism was formed in opposition to dominant racist and homophobic framings of the epidemic and the AIDS-related discrimination that these representations caused. Moreover, links between both groups of AIDS activists have their origins in this period. This history has emerged through oral interviews conducted with AIDS activists and an analysis of archival material held at the South African History Archive and the Centre for Health Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand. Evidence reveals that AIDS activism was politically overshadowed in the 1980s by the overwhelming need to respond to apartheid. Although the Gay Association of South Africa (GASA) resisted AIDS-related homophobia, it was politically conservative, which later led to its demise, and then the creation of new, more militant anti-apartheid gay AIDS activism. By contrast, the anti-apartheid doctor organisations such as the National Medical and Dental Association (NAMDA) and the National Progressive Primary Health Care Network (PPHC) were militantly anti-apartheid, but did not seriously address AIDS in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, in the new transitional context, AIDS activists framed the epidemic in terms of human rights to combat AIDS-related discrimination in AIDS policy. Simultaneously, doctor activists in NAMDA and PPHC mobilised around AIDS in the early 1990s, but both organisations disbanded after 1994. Meanwhile, gay AIDS activists remained prominent in AIDS activism, as some who were living with HIV adopted the strategy of openness about their HIV status. On the other hand, AIDS-related stigma remained widespread in the transition era with important implications for post-apartheid AIDS activism and policy-making. Ultimately, this history has significantly shaped post-apartheid, rights-based AIDS activism and its recent disputes with the government over AIDS policy. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

This thesis examines the legal protection of public employees who are HIV-infected or have AIDS in Canada and the United States. Emphasis is placed on the dealing with mandatory HIV-testing schemes in each country. To this end, the first section presents medical facts about the disease itself, the transmission risks, and testing methods as ethical considerations about HIV-testing schemes. The second section addresses the protection standards guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and compares them to the standards set out by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms . Finally, the third section compares protection offered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The overall aim of this study was to understand the determinants of VCT uptake in the general population of Nigeria’s federal capital territory of Abuja. Uptake of VCT still remains low despite increased availability of VCT information and services in Abuja, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken with 180 respondents from Abuja, using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model as conceptual framework, to elucidate the social demographics of respondents, their HIV/VCT knowledge, their perceptions of VCT facility design, societal support for VCT, and how HIV stigma shapes the phenomenon of VCT uptake in Abuja, Nigeria. The key findings were that a better understanding of HIV prevention, a perception of support from community and religious leaders, and access to HIV test services in government facilities are positive predictors of higher VCT uptake. Poor personal risk assessment and the cost of HIV testing were identified as the key barriers to VCT access. / Health Studies / M.P.H.

The study explored the factors influencing the use of voluntary counselling and testing by university students. This was done by undertaking an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. Focus group discussions and field notes were used to collect data from the participants. Outcomes from the study revealed various factors to the uptake of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services by university students namely: the desire to know one‟s HIV status, illness, pregnancy, blood donation, to get a reward, the influence of significant others, the influence of media, awareness campaigns, compulsion, to get a job, curiosity, to be a positive role model and the positive attitude and professional conduct of the health care provider. The study also revealed various challenges to the uptake of VCT services by university students namely: the fear of being diagnosed HIV positive, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, the low perception of risk to HIV infection, the lack of student friendly VCT services, the shortage of human and infrastructural resources, the inaccessibility of VCT services, the long waiting period for test results, negative perceptions about VCT, the problems with pre-test counselling and ignorance. Going by the participants‟ suggestions VCT services uptake by university students could be improved by increased resource allocation (incentives, human and infrastructural resources), increased awareness campaigns, and improved counselling and making VCT services more accessible / Information Science / MA (Public Health)

Este estudo qualitativo problematizou os processos de subjetivação das pessoas vivendo com HIV e Aids (PVHA) na contemporaneidade, buscando questionar as concepções naturalizadas e universais sobre o fenômeno do HIV/Aids, ressaltando suas nuances históricas e políticas. O objetivo geral foi de investigar a experiência de se viver com HIV/Aids, analisar as questões da descoberta da soropositividade, investigar a vida afetivo-sexual dessas PVHA após a descoberta do HIV e problematizar sobre o significado que atribuem à adesão e ao uso da medicação. Utilizou-se de um referencial teórico pós-estruturalista, baseado no pensamento de Michel Foucault. Seis entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com PVHA que são atendidas em um SAE (Serviço de Atendimento Especializado em DST e Aids) de Recife-PE. Os sujeitos foram selecionados através de uma amostra acidental e intencional. Problematizou-se a existência de um método em Foucault, não sendo possível falar em método a partir deste pensador, mas em metodologias. Seu objeto de estudo foi sempre o sujeito, assim, seu caminho foi problematizá-lo, considerando sua contingência histórica, tensionada pelos jogos de verdade e pela dimensão ética da relação consigo e com o outro. Trabalhou-se com o conceito de experiência, como central a esta pesquisa, tomando-o como parte dos processos de subjetivações. O estudo sobre a experiência de viver com HIV/Aids mostrou que os sujeitos da Aids vivenciam, ainda muito de perto, a perspectiva de doença e morte, apesar do tempo passado e dos avanços conseguidos. Quanto às experiências afetivo-sexuais, evidenciou-se mediada pela questão da contaminação e prevenção do HIV, sendo possível apontar como a Aids como um discurso, funcionando dentro de dispositivos de vigilância e controle da sexualidade, interferindo diretamente nessas práticas sexuais. É sob a insígnia da prevenção que uma lógica sanitarista media os engajamentos numa relação amorosa e/ou sexual, onde predominam a preocupação consigo e com o outro, através das técnicas de si e de uma ética do cuidado. Finalmente, a experiência com uso da medicação e com a adesão ao tratamento, tomados como discursos enredados com o dispositivo de controle sobre a vida. Assim, sujeitos seguem prescrições médicas que lhes guiam num cuidado com sua saúde e com a da população, onde esses discursos parecem estabelecer pilares para uma sociedade orientada pelo biopoder e por biopolíticas onde o corpo transforma-se num campo de batalhas. A Aids parece circular como um dos discursos que servem ao dispositivo da biopolítica na sua vigilância sobre a preservação da vida. / This qualitative study problematized processes of subjectivation on people living with HIV/AIDS in the contemporaneity; it aimed to question the naturalized and universalised conceptions on the phenomena of HIV/AIDS, highlighting their historical and political nuances. Therefore, general objective was to investigate the experience of living with HIV/AIDS. It was also to analyse discovery of the HIV status, to investigate the affective-sexual lives of those people post HIV and problematize the meaning given by them to adherence to the treatment and use of medication. A post-structuralism theoretical approach was used, based on Michel Foucaults thought. We conducted 6 semi-structured interviews with HIV/AIDS people attending a SAE (special care service for STDs and AIDS) in Recife-PE, where subjects were accidental and deliberately chosen. The study on experience revealed HIV/Aids people facing a perspective of illness or death, regardless all time elapsed and advances acquired. As for the affective-sexual experiences, we were able to see they were mediated by matters of contamination and how AIDS as a Discourse was used by dispositif of surveillance and control for the sexuality, directly interfering on sexual practices. It is under the insignia of prevention that a sanitation order intervene engagements on love or sexual relationships, where predominates a concern of oneself or towards the others through some Techniques of the self and Ethics of Care. Finally, the issue of medication and adherence seem to work as a dispositif controlling life where medical prescriptions guided them with their health care and the population caring; those discourses seem to set foundations for a biopolitics oriented society whereas the body is transformed into a field of battles.

M.A. / Hubley (1990) notes that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a relatively recently recognized disease. It is caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks selected cells in the immune system and produces defects in functioning. These defects may not be apparent for years. They lead, however, to a severe suppression of the immune system's ability to resist harmful organisms. This leaves the body open to an invasion by various infections, which are therefore called opportunistic diseases, and to the development of unusual cancers. The virus also tends to reach certain brain cells. This leads to so-called neuropsychiatric abnormalities or psychological disturbances caused by physical damage to nerve cells. Many of those infected with HIV may not even be aware that they carry and can spread the virus. Combating it is a major challenge to biomedical scientists and health-care providers. HIV infection and AIDS occur among the most pressing public policy and public health problems world-wide. Since the first HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in 1981, through mid-1993, more than 600 cases were reported in South Africa. This is only the tip of the iceberg of HIV/AIDS infection as it was estimated that between 2 and 2.5 million South Africans had been infected with the virus through the early 1990s but not yet developed the clinical symptoms. In terms of the historical data from previous surveys (ie. the results of the 1996 survey) in South Africa confirmed the trend of a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. HIV infection has increased in all provinces, but Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence rates of 18,23% compared to 1994's '14,35% and 16-18%, compared to 12-16% respectively (see table 1).. Of particular concern are the pregnant women in South Africa under twenty years where a prevalence of 12,78% has been found. Thirty per cent of babies born to HIV positive women in South Africa are infected. Of the 3638 births in VVitbank — a rather small town in Mpumalanga-.Province — in 1996, 219 of the women were tested HIV positive (Masiphile Vol. 1: 1997).