[Social representations of violence against rural women: unveiling senses in multiple views]. / Representações sociais da violência contra mulheres rurais: desvelando sentidos em múltiplos olhares.

We analyze the social representations of violence against women from the perspective of city managers, professionals and health workers in rural settings of the southern half of Rio Grande do Sul. The study has a qualitative approach and adds a theoretical/methodological perspective of social representations. The data were generated by means of the associative method, question-stimulus of words and expressions emergence. The analysis of word association was performed with EVOC software, considering frequency and order of association with inducing terms. Participants recognize violence against women as gender destination that induces consent, resignation, guilt and fear, and results in naturalization and trivialization of this social phenomenon. We highlight the need to produce ruptures in established and traditional forms of health care, in the conservative and stereotypical views of violence, favoring access to friendly service and avoiding the reproduction of gender inequalities.

[Elements of comprehensiveness in the professional health practices provided to rural women victims of violence]. / Elementos de integralidade nas práticas profissionais de saúde a mulheres rurais vítimas de violência.

The present article refers to a qualitative study that was performed with the objective to identify and analyze the practice of healthcare professionals regarding rural women victims of violence, under the perspective of comprehensive care, in cities located in southern Rio Grande do Sul state. Participants were healthcare professionals and workers from health services who work in rural areas. The information was generated through interviews and analyzed using the thematic mode. In regards to care elements provided to rural women who are victims of violence, the study pointed out not only the relational strategies - welcoming, attachment and dialogue - but also the construction of collective actions through group activities, recognized as supporting health promotion, as well as individual and collective empowerment in the dimension of violent events. It was found that the professionals' care practices are aimed at focusing care on the rural women, establishing a relationship between the worker and client to produce comprehensiveness of care.

[Biographies of pregnancy and motherhood in adolescence within rural settlements in Rio Grande do Sul]. / Biografias de gravidez e maternidade na adolescência em assentamentos rurais no Rio Grande do Sul.

The objective of this study was to learn about and understand pregnancy and motherhood experiences in adolescence within rural settlements. The study started from a qualitative approach supported by the biographic method. Witnesses comprised women who experienced pregnancy and motherhood in adolescence. Data collection was performed in January and February 2009, by thematic biographic interview. The biographies show family trajectories of instability and constant moves as well as of precarious housing and employment. Pregnancy acceptance by the families of the adolescents is directly conditioned to the partner taking over the parenthood of the child and the adolescent mother as partner or spouse. The most frequently reported changes in the personal life deriving from pregnancy and motherhood were loss of freedom and increase of responsibility. At institutional level, it is observed the lack of public policies and, consequently, of services addressed to and adequate to health specificities within rural settlements.

[Violence among youngsters: social dynamics and situations of vulnerability]. / Violência entre jovens: dinânicas sociais e situações de vulnerabilidade.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the social dynamics implied in the life of youngsters, victims of violence, by (re) constructing the day-to-day relations and, therefore, discussing vulnerability situations. It is a descriptive and exploratory study that uses the genogram and the ecomap as instruments for data collection. Interview was carried out with 23 young victims of these events in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Content analysis of the thematic type was adopted. From the social interactions of the surveyed youngsters, we observed the fragility of their relationship networks. Regarding the family environment, evidence shows that most of the youngsters come from families with precarious social and economic background. School education is recognized as a guarantee of social inclusion; however for some, the problems with state education and violence in and out of school collaborate for the decharacterization of the school as a protected and learning space. Learning the social dynamics implied in situations of vulnerability helps to understand this phenomenon and can influence prevention and promotion actions from health services.

Doctoral education in nursing in Brazil.

This study aimed to present the trajectory of doctoral education in nursing in Brazil from 1981 to 2004. A descriptive and analytical study was carried out, using documents available at the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, a body responsible for the recognition, evaluation and coordination of graduate studies in Brazil. Data analysis revealed that there are 13 doctoral courses in nursing, most of which are concentrated in the Southeast (69.2%), and that teaching and scientific production have been influenced by demographic and epidemiological transitions and by historical, social and political movements. Knowledge production is related to Nursing Care, Health Management and Practices and Theoretical Foundations of Care. Doctoral programs have prepared leaders in the fields of education, research and public policy development, in health institutions as well as in public policies, health institutions and governmental entities.

[Therapeutic practices among elders in Porto Alegre: a qualitative approach]. / Práticas terapêuticas entre idosos de Porto Alegre: uma abordagem qualitativa.

This study had as its main objective to know, comprehend and analyze the use of therapeutic practices among elders who live in urban areas. With a qualitative approach, this research was carried out in the eastern part of the city of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul. It processed the socio-demographic characterization of 24 elders randomly chosen and the analysis of the information collected from them regarding the use of therapeutic practices. The elders interviewed were in their majority female, 68-years old in average, with four years of schooling. The main therapeutic practice mentioned by the interviewees was self-medication. Another therapeutic practice that was mentioned is the visit to a health professional. The study considers that through the analysis and critical discussion of the theme it is possible to provide subsidies for the qualification of professionals in the field of Health education and of nursing work in general, thus favoring the care and self-care processes among elders.

[Health education for varicose ulcer patients through group activities]. / Educação em saúde a portadores de úlcera varicosa através de atividades de grupo.

It is a report on the group activities carried out with carriers of varicose ulcer in a health unit in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The varicose ulcer presents factors, besides the biological ones, which interfere in the cicatrization, in the relapse cases and in its effective resolution. The proposed activities aimed at producing behavior changes with the intention of achieving self-care, providing information, socializing the participants, and stimulating cooperation, searching for joint solutions, aggregating interdisciplinary spirit and improving the care. Two groups have been formed and a thematic schedule established. The results have showed higher adhesion to the treatment, behavioral changes, and adapted and more effective attitudes of the health team.

[Nursing doctoral theses produced on graduate programs between 1983-2001]. / Teses produzidas nos programas de Pós-graduação em enfermagem de 1983 a 2001.

This study describes the relationship between nursing doctoral dissertations and research lines defined by the Brazilian Nursing field in three areas: professional, care and organizational. It isa descriptive-exploratory research, based on reports of Graduate Programs evaluated by CAPES and on The Informative Guide of Nursing Research and Researchers CEPEn/ ABEn, from 1983 to 2001, totalling 448 abstracts. The care field includes the greatest production, followed by the organizational and professional areas. The studies disclose tendency towards the qualitative approach revealing possibilities for a more profound knowledge about reality or a more through understanding of social phenomena related to nursing practice. On the other hand, studies on interventions in professional practice and technological development are still under construction.

Public health agendas addressing violence against rural women - an analysis of local level health services in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

This study analyses health managers' perceptions of local public health agendas addressing violence against rural women in municipalities in the southern part of the State Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. It consists of an exploratory descriptive study utilizing a qualitative approach. Municipal health managers responsible for planning actions directed at women's health and primary health care were interviewed. The analysis sought to explore elements of programmatic vulnerability related to violence in the interviewees' narratives based on the following dimensions of programmatic vulnerability: expression of commitment, transformation of commitment into action, and planning and coordination. It was found that local health agendas directed at violence against rural women do not exist. Health managers are therefore faced with the challenge of defining lines of action in accordance with the guidelines and principles of the SUS. The repercussions of this situation are expressed in fragile comprehensive services for these women and programmatic vulnerability.

Homicides among teenagers in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: vulnerability, susceptibility, and gender cultures.

The authors present a quantitative and qualitative study on homicides among teenagers in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, based on a historical series during the 1990s and the life and death histories in this group, with a special focus on 1997. In that year there were 68 homicides in which the victims were from 10 to 19 years old. Of the 68, 62 were males and only 6 females, or a ratio of 10:1, showing that young males are more vulnerable and susceptible to being murdered. The data indicate that cause of death is influenced by gender culture and that homicides are based on power and status symbols characterizing a kind of virility. This expression of virility in the shaping of violence also appears in the domination of the female body observed in homicides with young women as the victims. The life and death histories of these teenagers highlight the pertinence of the gender-based analysis as a theoretical-analytical category, in addition to analyses considering socioeconomic aspects and social inequity.

[Methodological education and care strategies in basic health care]. / Estratégias metodológicas de educação e assistência na atenção básica de saúde.

This paper discusses methodological and care strategies or tools used in basic health care practice. It is based on the dialogue established between what we think and what we carry out at the Life Quality Promotion Outpatient Centers (APQVs). These centers are located at two basic health care centers in Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil. Its users are mostly adult and elderly patients with long-term illnesses. The proposal of this discussion arose from a research project financed by the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development--CNPq, and integrates a thematic network called Education and Care Methodologies to Promote Life Quality. Starting from this empirical and conceptual base, methodological tools were built to develop nursing consulting services in outpatient health care to individuals and groups. This article aims to present relational and operational concepts used in care at these services.

[Home visiting as an instrument of data collecting and health surveillance: experience report]. / A visita domiciliar como instrumento de coleta de dados de pesquisa e vigilância em saúde: relato de experiência.

This is an experience report that describes and analyzes home visiting, while a modality of activate search, to work as an instrument to collect data for the practice of health research and surveillance. It is mainly based on field notes. It discusses the potentialities of the home visiting applicability in academic researches and in the practice of health surveillance. We conclude that home visiting is an efficient instrument to collect data and to do health surveillance, and it represents a way of executing agile and trustworthy techniques of research, which is still not well explored.

[Sheltering: whose responsibility is it? An experience report]. / Acolhimento: responsabilidade de quem? Um relato de experiência.

This paper is about the sheltering of users in a basic health unit in Porto Alegre/RS according to the experience during the Integrated Residency Program in Collective Health at the Public Health School and reflections about specific bibliography. Sheltering is the manner in which the health service is organized to attend to its users and to answer their demands, relying on health education processes aiming to build a different relation than that established in "emergency rooms". It is believed that the nurse is the professional indicated for this task because of its basic education in collectivity and integralized human care.

[Implementation of a school health listener: experience report]. / Implantação de uma ouvidoria em saúde escolar: relato de experiência.

During the year of 2000, in a Junior High School of Porto Alegre, a health listener service was introduced aiming to ease the path of the school community to information and to answer their health needs. The activities were based on three axes: Developing Adults Capabilities, Assistance and Education. Those activities focused on health and tried to approach different subjects according to the school community needs. Through this work, we support the importance of developing workshops and nursing consultations as efficient ways to bring education and health to the community.

Experiências de mulheres em situação de violência em busca de atenção no setor saúde e na rede intersetorial / Experiences of women in situation of violence seeking care in the health sector and in the intersectoral network / Experiencias de mujeres en situación de violencia en búsqueda de atención en el sector salud y en la red intersectorial

O estudo teve por objetivo analisar as experiências de mulheres em situação de violência em busca de atenção no setor da saúde e na rede intersetorial. Utilizou-se abordagem qualitativa. As participantes foram 14 mulheres atendidas em um Centro de Referência de Atendimento à Mulher em decorrência de situações de violência nas relações íntimas. Foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade e pesquisa documental nos formulários de atendimentos. A análise de conteúdo constatou inadequação das práticas profissionais e da organização e estrutura de muitos serviços para acolher essas mulheres. Destaca-se a necessidade de estabelecer adequada articulação da rede intersetorial para tanto atender os aspectos práticos do enfrentamento da violência, tais como a atenção aos danos físicos e a garantia dos direitos e da segurança, quanto para oferecer apoio ao sofrimento decorrente.(AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze the experiences of women in situation of violence seeking care in the health sector and in the intersectoral network, using a qualitative approach. The participants were 14 women assisted in a Women's Care Reference Center due to situations of violence in intimate relationships. In-depth interviews and documentary research were conducted on the service charts. Content analysis evidenced inappropriate practices on the part of the professionals and the organization, and a structure with several services to assist these women. It is necessary to establish an appropriate coordination of the intersectoral network to meet both the practical aspects of coping with violence and the care of physical harm to these population, ensuring their rights and safety, and offering support to the suffering experienced.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las experiencias de mujeres en situación de violencia en búsqueda de atención en la salud y en la red intersectorial. Se utilizó un abordaje cualitativo. Las participantes fueron 14 mujeres atendidas en un Centro de Referencia de Atención a la Mujer debido a situaciones de violencia en las relaciones íntimas. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad e investigación documental en los formularios de atención. El análisis de contenido constató inadecuación de las prácticas profesionales y de la organización y estructura de muchos servicios para acoger a esas mujeres. Se destaca la necesidad de establecer una adecuada articulación de la red intersectorial para poder atender tanto los daños físicos y la garantía de los derechos y de la seguridad, como para ofrecer apoyo al sufrimiento consecuente.(AU)

[Violence in affective and sexual relationships among adolescents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: search for help and support networks]. / Violência nos relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais entre adolescentes de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: busca de ajuda e rede de apoio.

This study aimed to analyze the support network reported by adolescents dealing with violent situations in affective and sexual relationships. A quantitative approach was used for the epidemiological component and a qualitative approach for the data from interviews and focus groups. The sample consisted of 283 adolescents from 15 to 19 years of age who were sophomores at public and private high schools in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The quantitative data were analyzed by description of frequencies and analysis of associations between variables. For the qualitative data, thematic content analysis was used. The results showed that only 5% of the adolescents sought help for problems resulting from violence, and when they did so, they mainly turned to friends and family. Few adolescents cited healthcare professionals as a source of support. The study highlights the need to inquire into the implications for the healthcare system in the prevention of violence and health promotion for adolescents, aimed at the adoption of healthy relationships.

Subjetividades de homens rurais com problemas cardiovasculares: cuidado, ameaças e afirmações da masculinidade / Subjectivities of rural men with cardiovascular problems: care, threats, and masculinity affirmations

Resumo O artigo discute subjetividades cotidianas que podem fragilizar ou (re)afirmar a masculinidade e, por conseguinte, afastar os homens rurais do cuidado para com a saúde. Com abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa foi aplicada em uma comunidade rural de município localizado no sul do Rio Grande do Sul com a participação de doze homens que vivenciaram adoecimento cardiovascular crônico. Os achados ilustram diferentes ações eleitas pelos entrevistados como ameaçadoras à masculinidade e que, portanto, devem ser evitadas ou negadas, redirecionando-se para um movimento de afirmação dos estereótipos de gênero. Evidenciou-se nas análises que determinadas prescrições associadas à masculinidade - como a crença na invulnerabilidade, o papel de provedor e a associação do cuidado com a feminilidade - podem acarretar prejuízos à saúde física, mental e social dos homens, em especial no envelhecimento, quando as fronteiras entre o que se deseja e o que se consegue atender se acentuam. Com o olhar para o rural, o estudo fornece aportes para pensar ações no campo da promoção da saúde masculina em sua pluralidade de contextos de vida, trazendo para a discussão o cenário de vida camponês e suas especificidades produtivas, que conformam e moldam situações de saúde.

Abstract The article discusses daily subjectivities that may undermine or (re)affirm masculinity and thus alienate rural men from taking care of their health. Through a qualitative approach, the research was conducted within a rural community in a municipality in the south of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and involved twelve male participants who experienced chronic heart disease. The findings illustrate different actions which were elected by the respondents as threats to their masculinity and that, therefore, should be avoided or denied, leading to an affirmation of gender stereotypes. The analyses made clear that certain prescriptions associated with masculinity, such as the belief in invulnerability, the role of the provider and the link between self care and femininity, may cause physical, mental, and social harm to men, especially during old age, when the boundaries between goals and possibilities become further apart. Focusing on the rural aspect, the study provides ideas for the development of actions towards men's health promotion, taking into consideration their life context plurality and bringing the farmer's life sphere and all its productive particularities, which shape health scenarios, to the discussion.

[Groups in basic health attention in Porto Alegre: uses and forms of therapeutic intervention]. / Os grupos na atenção básica de saúde de Porto Alegre: usos e modos de intervenção terapêutica.

This article deals with groups as an assistential modality used by the services of basic health attention. Workshops, health education groups, as well as, lectures are different activities done in relation to other traditional attendances. The study that is behind this discussion had as its main aim to know the profile of assistance, under groups' organization, offered in the Units which make part of the Basic Health Network in Porto Alegre. Within a total of 124 health services, 116 professionals were approached, among them, 96 developed groups. We could verify that the groups have therapeutic relevance because they favor the sharing of information and the learning about aspects which are related to the topic health-sickness. They constitute inclusive practices, which are able to create a link with the users and the service, as well as, to reformulate the existing assistential model. Therefore, it was verified that the understanding of these practices reflects on its dimension of the group assistance qualification and also the strategic dimension of compensation in the attendance of the increasing demand of health.

[Influenza-vaccinated and non-vaccinated elderly: reported morbidity and sociodemographic aspects, Porto Alegre (RS, Brazil), 2004]. / Idosos vacinados e não vacinados contra a influenza: morbidade relatada e aspectos sociodemográficos, Porto Alegre (RS, Brasil), 2004.

This descriptive transversal epidemiological study had the objective of comparing the elderly population who took the influenza vaccine and who did not regarding the occurrence of events of diseases or hospital admittances within three months after the vaccination. It was not possible to work with probable sampling and the attempt of pairing the vaccinated and non-vaccinated elderly was not successful due to the high vaccine coverage observed (73% of the target population) and due to the short time available to make the interviews. The result of the descriptive analysis of the 1,130 elderly interviewed was quite interesting even not being possible to infer it regarding the universe of the elderly population from Porto Alegre. We found a higher proportion of vaccinated people in the age group of 70 to 79 years old (42%), and a prevalence of non-vaccinated among the age group of 60 to 64 years old (40%). The vaccinated elderly were mostly older; female, who have private health care insurance; with higher income; that perform physical activities and non-smokers. The non-vaccinated were mostly men; younger; with lower income; that do not perform physical exercises; and smoke. A lower percentage of pneumonias reports and hospital admittances was observed among the vaccinated in comparison to the non-vaccinated people.