Post-sexual Exposure Prophylaxis in the Unified Health System: possible cares in HIV prevention

Abstract

This article discusses the forms of application of sexual Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to HIV in a public health service in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Data result from a case study and were produced from interviews with users of the prophylaxis and professionals responsible for such care. Theoretical references on integrality were used as parameters for analysis. Although the results have shown practices centered in a dialogical relationship that favored a singularized care, medical and procedure centered practices crossed by discriminatory moral standards prevailed. Hurdles still need to be overcome so that the people’s right to know and benefit from the preventive interventions, based on informed choices and according to their needs, can be assured. Investments in a professional training, that provoke reflections and questions about health practices and organization of services, can contribute to the development of health actions guided by the Unified Health System (SUS) principles – allowing that the assistance for people who search for the sexual PEP can become a care device for HIV prevention.