IMPACTS OF A POSITIVE HIV DIAGNOSIS ON THE MARITAL RELATIONSHIP: A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to identify the main repercussions of a positive HIV diagnosis on marital life, considering the emotional, social, and relational aspects faced by seroconcordant and serodiscordant couples. A positive HIV diagnosis, despite advances in treatment, still imposes significant challenges, stigma, and communication difficulties that affect the couple's experience. This is a systematic literature review conducted in the BDENF and LILACS databases, using the descriptors "HIV," "couples," and "family," considering articles published in Portuguese between 2020 and 2025. Four articles were selected, which highlighted the experiences of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus. The analysis of the studies revealed that mutual support and effective communication are fundamental to mitigating the negative effects of stigma, strengthening treatment adherence, and improving quality of life. The role of nursing proved to be essential, not only in clinical management but also in providing welcoming care, health education, and empowering patients, ensuring comprehensive and humanized care. However, barriers such as prejudice, a lack of professional preparedness to handle the marital dimension, and the need for more comprehensive public policies still persist. It is concluded that confronting HIV requires an approach that transcends the biomedical model, valuing the couple as a unit of care and promoting dialogue and co-responsibility to ensure a healthier life and overcome barriers.