The structure of health and illness in a Brazilian favela

The purpose of this study was to describe the understanding of health and illness within the culture of women living in a favela (urban slum) in southeastern Brazil. The methodology described by Spradley structured the study. Interviews were conducted with 10 informants, and multiple interviews were conducted with the key informant. Analysis yielded a taxonomic structure for the domains of health and illness. Six components play a part in both health and illness: cleanliness, nutrition, doctor visits, herbal remedies (tomar cha), sympathetic magic, and spirituality. Attention to the six components is believed to be necessary in maintaining health. The indigenous components of health can be integrated into health teaching to enhance correspondence between nursing care and the worldview of favela residents.