Representations of Body and Sexuality

The book presents an analysis of health professionals' representations of the body and sexuality, considering the context of the feminization of AIDS and women's vulnerabilities to HIV infection. These representations were apprehended based on theoretical reflection and field research carried out in two health centers in Brasília (the federal capital) that treat women with HIV and AIDS, together with health professionals, using the social representations of the body and sexuality as a reference. The theoretical-conceptual perspective used allowed the theme to be approached in relation to the categories of body, sexuality, gender and health practice. The aim of this study was to analyze whether these representations contribute to women's vulnerability to AIDS. It was found that the health practices of health professionals express cultural values about the body and sexuality which, in providing care, reveal limitations and vulnerabilities in women's health care. Women's vulnerabilities to HIV infection also permeate the care practices recommended by health professionals and the organization of health care services for women and men.