Adhesion to antiretroviral treatment for Aids patients must be approached from a multi-factor and particular viewpoint, considering sociocultural aspects, built meanings and subjects' autonomy. This qualitative study aims to explore elements and narrative forms developed by patients so as to promote adhesion. In-depth interviews with nine Aids patients who had good adhesion, as well as clinical and laboratorial response to treatment, were conducted. The analysis of speeches identified the contexts and narrative discourses that helped these people face the illness and its repercussions, and that influenced on adhesion. It was noticed that the timing of adhesion in narratives was not chronological and the justification/explanation for dealing with infection, disease and prejudice acquired therapeutical dimension. The protagonist's role in life and illness histories became a central element while facing disruptions arisen from illness and influenced on adhesion incorporation in a therapeutical perspective.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; patient compliance; narrative medicine; chronic disease