The objective of the present investigation was to identify the sexual difficulties experienced by persons in an HIV-1 crisis. This is a study of a descriptive nature based on the Theory of Crisis. The sample consisted of 5 patients with HIV-1 followed up clinically in a town in the hinterland of the state of São Paulo. Semistructured interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed according to MEIHY (1996) and BARDIN (1994). We conclude that the subjects presented a negative adaptation with respect to sexual, social and emotional difficulties. The results indicate the need for effective nursing interventions with persons in an HIV-1 crisis.

This descriptive study was based on the assumptions of qualitative investigation methods and on the Crisis Theory formulated by CAPLAN (1966). The objective of the study was to identify the sexual problems experienced by women undergoing an HIV-1 crisis. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview recorded by the method of FREITAS et al. (1992) and analyzed by the method of MEIHY (1996). Authors concluded that these women maintained themselves unbalanced using negative coping mechanisms. Thus, authors believe that it would be possible to help them using adequate nursing actions such as educational and guidance actions, but mainly by actions directed to the needs of patients undergoing an HIV-1 crisis.