Abstract

LEVANDOWSKI, Daniela Centenaro et al. Motherhood and HIV: Brazilian literature review (2000-2014). Arq. bras. psicol. [online]. 2017, vol.69, n.2, pp. 34-51. ISSN 1809-5267.

Motherhood requires psychological and social reorganizations, which coexisting with a medical condition, such as HIV infection, may add an emotional burden. This study aims to describe the experience of motherhood in the context of HIV infection, through a literature review focused on Brazilian studies published between 2000 and 2014. Based on the analysis of the nine studies, typical experiences of the transition to motherhood were identified, such as concerns with baby's health and satisfaction with maternal role; additionally, particular experiences imposed by HIV, such as frustration of not breastfeeding and anxiety regarding the baby's diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment were also identified. Future studies should focus on different profiles of mothers with HIV (e.g., different ages, socioeconomic levels, family configurations and parity), and on couple's relationship and fathers' experience, themes scarcely explored by literature. Also, studies with longitudinal design are necessary to expand the understanding of the experience of motherhood in this context.

Keywords : Brazil; Motherhood; HIV; HIV seropositivity.

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