The concept of habitus in women's knowledge analysis on family planning

Abstract

Introduction: Habitus is defined based on the relationships maintained by the various social groups, in which it provides answers about the life trajectory, materialized by their behaviors and attitudes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of women attending a Basic Health Unit about family planning, following the assumptions of Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus. Methods: This is a qualitative research, conducted with ten women in the city of Dourados/MS, from February to May 2016. Data were collected through interviews and analysis through content analysis. proposed by Bardin. Results: The results showed that the participants have little knowledge about family planning. They use the pill and tubal ligation more often as a contraceptive method. They pointed out that there is a lack of more effective action by health professionals with activities related to family planning, which may create new habitus in reproductive health. Final Considerations: It was noticed that the practices in family planning by women happen by past habitus between generations.