Illness care at home or in health institutions: the decision process in a low income community

Abstract

The aim of this research was to describe the experiences of a group of women about the decision making process related to illness care at home or in a health care institution. METHOD Research designThe thematic oral history method was used in this study. The understanding of specific aspects of experience, as well as capturing ideas, values, and beliefs related to the theme, is the essence of this method. Moreover, the method allows people who normally do not have a social voice to express their ideas and feelings (7) . Through the thematic oral history analysis is considered a significant feature to assure research validity and to make qualitative research a systematic and rigorous process (8) .Research ethics aspects were in accordance with the Brazilian National Health Council criteria (9) . A research-participation consent form was signed by all collaborators after receiving detailed information about the research and the anonymity guaranteed by utilization of fictitious names. FINDINGSThe personal characteristics of the women, the vital tones, the descriptive categories and related contents are presented.

Use of medicinal plants by black women: ethnography study in a low-income community

“…One study conducted with women living in a low-income community found that they resorted to homegrown medicinal plants to take care of diseases, independent of ethnic origin (14) . This information shows the need to verify whether women from other ethnic-social segments of Brazil also resort to medicinal plants for care and healing practices.…”

“…Racial discrimination is being increasingly recognized as a determinant of ethnic and racial inequalities in health care, with clear growth and strong association between racial discrimination and effects on the health of adults, young people and children (12)(13) . The focus of this study was the women because they generally take upon themselves the responsibilities related to practices of care and healing of the health-illness process in the family and social context (14) .…”

Conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais por mulheres em processo de envelhecimento

“…Nesse contexto, cultivam, manipulam e utilizam plantas medicinais para os mais distintos sintomas e tornam-se, assim, referência no cuidado da saúde familiar e comunitária (HOGA, 2008;KARAM, 2004;LIMA et al, 2014).…”

Mulheres negras, o cuidado com a saúde e as barreiras na busca por assistência: estudo etnográfico em uma comunidade de baixa renda

“…Muitas são as dimensões com as quais estamos comprometidos: prevenir, cuidar, proteger, tratar, recuperar, promover, enfim, produzir saúde (Brasil, 2010 -p. 7). Ainda refletindo sobre essa temática, um estudo realizado com mulheres de uma comunidade de baixa renda, constatou que as colaboradoras se consideravam como "pobres" e aprenderam, desde a infância, estabelecer relações sociais como pessoas pobres (Hoga, 2008). Durante a infância ocorre a socialização primária e a estrutura do caráter de uma pessoa é constituída.…”