An exploratory qualitative study on the social representation of HIV/AIDS in young men who have sex with men

Background

Social representations are the meanings and beliefs built into the processes of social communication about a significant object in the collective life of a group, and these influence the behavior of the group members. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a risk group for HIV/AIDS. Therefore, knowing their social representation of HIV/AIDS will help to plan strategies for prevention and adherence to treatment.

Objective

To know the social representation of HIV-AIDS among young men who have sex with men (MSM).

Method

An exploratory qualitative study with a trans-sectional non-experimental design was performed. A non-probability sampling was used. The convenience sample consisted of 25 MSM, who ranged in age from 18 to 29 years and resided in the metropolitan area in a city in northeastern México at the time of application of a free association test and a questionnaire with eight open-ended questions. Data were collected through social networks and a non-governmental organization and were analyzed using a thematic content analysis.

Results

The category most associated with HIV-AIDS was “disease,” followed by the categories “acquisition forms” and “death.” These three categories represented 59% of the associations.

Conclusions

Young MSM who participated in the study had a social representation of HIV/AIDS as a deadly disease, caused by a virus (HIV) that is spread during sex. This representation was strongly burdened with images, beliefs or fears of getting infected or being socially condemned.