Práticas preventivas em relação ao HIV entre mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres

Abstract

The history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been marked by the construction of stigmas and the association of the infection with specific groups, which contributed to the invisibility of women who have sex with women (WSW) in health policies, prevention campaigns, and healthcare practices. This invisibility, combined with the heteronormativity present in health services, may increase the vulnerability of this population to HIV, particularly due to the lack of specific information on prevention and the barriers faced in accessing healthcare. This study aimed to understand preventive practices related to HIV among women who have sex with women, as well as the meanings attributed to these practices. This is a qualitative, descriptive study conducted with 39 cisgender women living in Pernambuco, Brazil, who reported having sexual practices with women and/or men. Data collection occurred between May and December 2021 through an online questionnaire containing sociodemographic questions, sexual behaviors, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, preventive practices, and access to health services. The results showed that although many participants reported being aware of HIV transmission routes, there are still beliefs that sexual relations between women present a low risk of infection. Low adherence to preventive methods was also observed, as these methods are often considered uncomfortable, impractical, or unrelated to sexual pleasure. Many participants associated prevention mainly with periodic testing, trust in their partner, and relationship stability, which may create a false sense of security. In addition, informational gaps, the absence of prevention campaigns directed at WSW, and difficulties in accessing health services were identified, especially due to heteronormativity and the lack of professional preparedness. It is concluded that reducing the vulnerability of WSW to HIV requires greater visibility of this population in prevention policies, the expansion of educational actions addressing their specificities, and the training of health professionals to provide sensitive, humanized, and stigma-free care.