This qualitative study aimed to identify women's access to information about HIV / AIDS and analyze the factors that guide the adoption of protective measures against HIV / AIDS. Interviews were conducted with 20 women enrolled in evening classes at a public school in Minas Gerais / Brazil, aged between 18 and 55 years. The interviews were analyzed using the technique of thematic content analysis, and grounded in the theoretical framework of Social Representations. We produced two analytical categories: access to information about AIDS and protection mechanisms adopted to reduce vulnerability to HIV infection. Interviewees pointed to school, family, television, friends and health professionals as the main vehicles for obtaining information about AIDS. However, in these spaces and encounters bond is weakened, and defragged inconsistent, not providing access to consistent listening environments, information and reflections. Prevention is focused on the use of condoms. There remains the low power of women to negotiate safe sex, prevailing will of the partner and credibility in love and marriage. The feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and fear generated in these women because of the issue of AIDS cannot allow them to perform protective mechanisms related to changes in sexual behavior in order to make it more safe and aware in the study group.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; vulnerability; women; disease prevention