Análise da percepção de lésbicas e mulheres bissexuais sobre a assistência à saúde ao HIV

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, HIV is considered a public health issue; cultural, social, and political contexts influence the exposure and vulnerability of certain population groups to the virus. The lack of discussion regarding the exposure of lesbian and bisexual women to HIV has persisted since the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, as the health of lesbian and bisexual women has not been prioritized among the raised concerns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the perception of lesbian and bisexual women regarding healthcare services related to HIV. METHODOLOGY: This is a quantitative, descriptive study based on primary data collected through remote surveys with women who reported having sexual practices with women and/or men. The study was conducted in the city of Recife and its Metropolitan Region between May and December 2021. The target population consisted of 35 women over 18 years old who declared having sexual relations only with women or with both women and men. RESULTS: In the study, 51.4% of participants reported experiencing difficulties with the healthcare professionals who attended them; 54.3% disclosed their sexual orientation to the professional, and 82.9% reported having faced prejudice due to their sexual orientation. Additionally, 100% stated that they were aware of the modes of HIV transmission, and 51.4% reported taking preventive measures. DISCUSSION: The study identified shortcomings in the assistance provided by healthcare professionals, which contribute to misinformation, prejudice, and the perpetuation of exclusion. Furthermore, areas of vulnerability were highlighted, exposing discomfort, fear, and apprehension of prejudice in response to healthcare providers' attitudes. This correlates with the risk of HIV exposure, given the erroneous beliefs about prevention methods practiced by these women.