Vulnerability of women wth mental disorders to sexually transmitted infections (STIS) and HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This study aims to make a contribution to actions of sexual health promotion in women with severe and persistent mental disorders considering the high rates of sexually transmitted infections in this population group. Its objective was to analyze these women's sexual habits in order to under stand the influence of sexual culture in the way they live and think their sexuality as well as their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. In depth interviews were conducted with 17 women with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The interviews were later analyzed according to the structural analysis of narrative. The results demonstrated that the sexual experience was strongly influenced by cultural scenarios. Situations of vulnerability arose from an ascribed sexual role that was aggravated by the context of social exclusion experienced by the group. The study's findings demonstrate that social and cultural aspects should be considered in sexual health promotions as well as in preventive actions for that specific population group. Such actions would help to ensure the principle of integrity and totality and the right to a qualified care to all that are basic concepts of the Public Health System in Brazil.