A inter-relação entre autoimagem, autoestima e estados de humor em mulheres que vivem com HIV

Abstract

Infection with HIV is still a problem in the field of public health, especially among the female audience, as they present a high degree of vulnerability when compared to the opposite sex. The objective of this study was to compare the interrelationship between self-image, self-esteem, and mood states among women with and without HIV diagnosis, from a cross-sectional design, in HIVinfected and non-infected patients.The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire to characterize the sample, the Depression and Stress Anxiety Scale -EADS-21, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Figure of Silhouettes Scale adult version. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software (version 13.0) and Pearson's descriptive correlation statistics. The findings reveal that women living with HIV are more likely to develop mood disorders, as well as greater distortions with body image. Regarding self-esteem, the two groups quantitatively showed similarity. It is suggested that further studies be carried out to improve the quality of life of women living with the virus.