Health promoted by social and community networks of low-income women

Social and community networks constitute an important social determinant of health, especially in the poorer segments of civil society and in their struggles to guarantee the right to health care. This study sought to understand the social and community networks created by women living in a low-income community and their relationship with the development of health care in this social group. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women participating in a nongovernmental organization in the community, and the data were subjected to content analysis. The analysis highlighted four categories: the community as a large network, formed by multiple interconnected dynamic networks; the network of "aunts," women with an important role in the care of the community, treated as part of the family; the conversation circles, such as the rite of periodic meeting on the sidewalks, indicated as an important space that guarantees emotional stability and quality of life; and the benzedeiras with the use of medicinal plants, they are reference care within the community, providing disease prevention, health treatment, and referral to the health care unit when necessary. We concluded that the social and community networks created by the participants are important social determinants, and health facilities registered in the territory should value such networks.