Ferreira J. A saúde em comprimidos: influências socioculturais na interpretação de sintomas e terapias medicamentosas em uma vila de classe popular de Porto Alegre. [Health in pills: sociocultural influences in the interpretation of symptoms and medicinal therapies in a lower-class neighborhood of Porto Alegre .] Saúde em Debate [Health in Debate] ( Río de Janeiro , Brazil ) 2001 September/December; 25(59):67-72.

Objectives: To analyze sociocultural influences in the interpretation of illnesses, symptoms, and the consumption of medicine among a lower-income population, with marginal living conditions, in Porto Alegre , Brazil .

Methodology: Participant observation in a neighborhood and health center and from patient descriptions of the medical consultation.

Results: The research showed that non-medical prescriptions, such as compresses, baths, and diets, are not well received by patients. Patients provide a series of complaints about symptoms with the purpose of obtaining a prescription for medication in their consultation with physicians. Self-medication occurs due to the high cost of medicines, and socioeconomic problems of patients make their acquisition difficult.

Conclusions: The authors emphasize that physicians should understand the socioeconomic and cultural situation of the patients, so that they do not prescribe medications indiscriminately and incorporate patients socioeconomic problems in their medication decisions. Understanding the context, as well as the objective and symbolic relationships of lower class populations to health and illness, can help physicians develop prevention and self-care in such patients.