Representações sociais do HIV/SIDA numa comunidade religiosa: caso das Testemunhas de Jeová da congregaçao de Sommerchild - Cidade de Maputo

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze a relationship between the social representations of HIV / AIDS of Jehovah's Witnesses with their attitudes towards it and its prevention. The study assumed that social representation is a social process that involves communication and discourse along which meanings and social objects are constructed and elaborated, and that qualitative research is important to understand cultural values ​​and group representations of selection. specific topics. Hence our option for this method. The data instrument consisted of identifying where eight people were selected for the purpose. Thus, starting from the observation that the different attitudes that actors take in relation to a caused disease may be linked to a set of ideas they make about the phenomenon of the disease and that opinions and conceptions about HIV / AIDS vary from group to group. to group according to their specificities, led us to question how HIV / AIDS is seen among Jehovah's Witnesses. The work is guided by the 'theoretical perspective of the concept of social representation, understood as an elaborate and shared form of social knowledge that guides the conduct of the necessary requirements of social objects. The results of the study indicated that, in general, the believers of this congregation have a good knowledge about HIV/AIDS, its main transmission routes and the main prevention mechanisms. Prevention strategies advocated by this group are abstinence before marriage and fidelity during marriage. These two strategies differ from the official discourse that advocates condom use. The condom in this group is seen as a way to promote sexual promiscuity. These two strategies are linked to their religious beliefs learned through biblical teachings, that is, what should be done to do “the will of God”. As for the prevalence of HIV / AIDS in the country and in particular among young people, it is predominantly explained by “sexual immorality” and by the “lack of seriousness in hospital services”. Therefore, we can conclude that social representations of HIV / AIDS among members of Jehovah's Witnesses are influenced by moral values ​​and religious beliefs.