[Nursing research and epidemiologic profile of the northeast]

This study aim at analyzing the relationship between the epidemic profile of the Brazilian Northeastern region and the scientific production of the Masters Degree Program in Nursing/UFC, through the identification of the themes researched between 1995 and 2001. In order to achieve these objectives, we developed an exploratory and descriptive study which had as its primary source data from OPAS/OMS, demographic and socioeconomic indicators and IDB for 2000, which reflected on the classification of themes according to the "Categorical Scheme for Lines of research". Results showed that most of the scientific production in this program relates to the following lines of research: life quality and determinants of disease and health (71.3%) which relates to the assistance field and "technology in nursing" (57.2), which relates to the professional field. We believe that these two lines of research are in accordance with the priorities of research of CNPq (National Research Council) and that they meet social demands. We suggest the development of research related to children's and elderly's health as well as violence in order to meet the needs generated by the epidemic profile of the Northeastern region.