[Management strategies in HIV/AIDS at the family level].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the critical points of the trajectories of the families of persons with AIDS which may serve as a basis to develop educational and support programs.


METHODS
A qualitative investigation was conducted in 1995 in Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, State of Mexico, Mexico. Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP) were applied to determine the social, economic, demographic and cultural context of persons with HIV/AIDS in the community. Forty-six in-depth interviews were applied to persons with AIDS, their families and people from their social networks.


RESULTS
The main aspects of the family response to the HIV/ AIDS are characterized, and it is demonstrated that it is possible to identify critical points in such a response which can be targeted through specific interventions. In Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, a context of poverty, a migrating tradition, and gender social relations are the basis of the acceptance or rejection of persons with AIDS. The main finding refers to the ambiguos attitude, ranging from rejection to support, displayed by family members of persons with AIDS. This pattern varies according to the history and specific conditions of each family.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific health interventions are proposed to support families with one or more persons with AIDS.
Castro
R
R
Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, México.
Eroza
E
E
Orozco
E
E
Manca
M C
MC
Hernández
J J
JJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000401:mortality; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005190:Family; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008800:Mexico; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support
Estrategias de manejo en torno al VIH/SIDA a nivel familiar.