Health care practices of peasant women

This study presents the results of research on the health care practices of peasant women in Monte Alegre Settlement VI – SP. A qualitative method was adopted, comprising participant observation and individual and collective interviews during the 15 visits from April 2010 to July 2011. Twelve residents participated, of whom six were community health agents. Health care practices refer to companionship, dialogue, active listening, social mobilization, multidisciplinary health services assistance, use of medicinal plants, religious belief as social support, and diet. Such practices were added up and articulated. The participants shared and learnt regarding health care practices from each other. The interactions and learning were intergenerational and from health professionals, besides other sources of information and specific training processes such as the Program of Family Health (PSF).