14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12559)

Bettino MJ, Rocca VM, Pugliese DD, Benetucci JA
Hospital Muniz- FUNDAI, Buenos Aires, Argentina

ISSUES: Human sexuality responds to biologic, subjective, cultural and social circumstances; therefore, its aim and target are not predetermined. Animals sexuality, instead, is built around instinct, this being the particular organizer of every species. Taking into account the previous definition of human sexuality, we wondered whether there is any change in the practice and/or the care while having intercourse, as from positive serology is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION: The psychologic research was conducted from February 1999 to June 2001 and involved 315 low income HIV+ patients and their partners, as well HIV- as HIV+. The interviews were qualitative, periodic, exploratory-like, and following the individual's reasoning.

ISSUES: The record of positive serology in one or both members of the couple, produces the disclosure of the previous bond modality, through: 1) The sustenance of the social imaginary when the male is HIV+ and his partner is HIV- is achieved by the denial of the males serology, while the male becomes the guarantor of the female's entireness. 2) The HIV- male fulfills, from his maternal-almighty position, an HIV+ woman. 3) Same situation applies to homosexual partners, who have lived together for a long time. 4) In non addicts HIV- women, whose partners are HIV+ addict men, the record of the actual contagion becomes more difficult. This behaviour results from the tamponage that the man produces in the woman, as the object of his love, when the relationship dates back to over five years. It is advisable to highlight that the results shown here are of a singular nature; therefore, hey do not remit to any generalization.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This study shows that the record of positive serology in one or both members of the couple, does not modify the previous bond manner and, many times, it contributes to its sustenance.

020707
G12559

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