title: Ways of coping with AIDS: opinion of mothers with HIV children.
abstract: The research aims at identifying strategies of coping with AIDS used by mothers of HIV positive children to live better with their children's disease. The method used was a descriptive qualitative study. Thirty-three structured interviews were conducted with HIV positive women voluntaries and registered as users in the clinic of the public hospital of reference for the treatment of AIDS in Natal/RN. For data analysis, the method used was thematic content analysis. From the analysis, prevalent categories regarding forms of facing AIDS came up, they were: overprotection and fear; donation; hope; religious belief; underestimation of HIV; hiding the diagnosis; and resignation. This study shows that despite AIDS limitations and barriers, relatives develop strategies that make it possible to face every day problems and live better with it.
authors.affiliation: Rio Grande do Norte Federal University, Brazil. rirosendo@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Richardson Augusto Rosendo da
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Vera Maria da
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.forename: Rejane Marie Barbosa
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Davim
authors.forename: Gilson de Vasconcelos
authors.initials: Gde V
authors.lastname: Torres
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*