title: HIV positive mothers' beliefs about mother-to-child transmission.
abstract: Beliefs can influence health behavior. This qualitative study aimed to understand the beliefs that influence HIV positive mothers' behaviors towards prevention methods against mother-to-child transmission. Fourteen women were interviewed. Our research was based on the theoretical Health Belief Model, formed by the following dimensions: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived obstacles. Data analysis showed reflections that evidence the paradox in the AIDS epidemic: knowledge does not change behavior; gender relations; fear of death; fear of stigma; financial problems; disbelief in the virus' existence. Identifying beliefs and understanding how to influence the conduction of the health problem can help services to promote patients' adherence.
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing - WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brasil. lisapneves@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Lis Aparecida de Souza
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Elucir
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gir
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008425:Maternal Behavior