Live/cope with tuberculosis/hiv and the meanings represented by the illness process: a discourse analysis

Abstract

Objective: analyze the meanings produced by the illness process and how they affect people living with tuberculosis (TB) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Method: this is a qualitative research, with theoretical-methodological approach of French Discourse Analysis (DA), carried out in a referral center for chronic infections, within the period from January to July 2015. A semi-structured interview script was used to collect primary data. For the collection of secondary data we used the record and follow-up book for TB treatment; the Notification Disease Information System (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação [SINAN]); and the TB patient control system. Results: 6 people undergoing TB and HIV treatment were interviewed and 3 discursive blocks emerged: “Tuberculosis and HIV: circulating meanings;” “The patient-practitioner bond and use of incentives in treatment continuity;” and “Conditions that influence the illness process.” Final remarks: the theory that these health conditions affect only certain individuals remains circulating in society, favoring prejudice, late diagnosis, and difficulty in complying with treatment. Thus, public policies and health promotion actions taken by health managers and practitioners are needed to contribute to knowledge (de-)construction and comprehensive and longitudinal care both for those undergoing treatment and their family members.