Abstract

GIACOMOZZI, Andréia Isabel. Social representation of drugs and vulnerability of CAPSad users to HIV/AIDS. Estud. pesqui. psicol. [online]. 2011, vol.11, n.3, pp. 776-795. ISSN 1808-4281.

The aim of the present research was to identify alcohol and other drugs social representations, as well as vulnerabilities related to STD/HIV/AIDS in a group of people attending a mental health public institution (CAPSad - Psychosocial Attention Center for Alcohol & Other Drugs) in Southern Brazil. 87 users participated in the study by answering a structured self-administered questionnaire. Results showed several risk factors associated with STD/HIV/Aids among user: in spite of a positive attitude towards condoms, the study found a low rate of actual use of this preventive device, poor knowledge about HIV transmission and the significant role played by STDs in the users' lives. Moreover, CAPSad users present specific vulnerabilities related to HIV/Aids: being under the effect of a psychoactive substance made condom use less likely. On the other hand, alcohol and other drugs evocations are associated with sex, fun and pleasure, indicating that this combination may correspond to unsafe sex.

Keywords : Social representations; Aids; Drugs; Vulnerability.