OBSERVAÇÃO PARTICIPANTE: UMA METODOLOGIA PARA CONHECER O VIVER, O ADOECER E O CUIDAR DAS FAMÍLIAS RURAIS

This paper tries to show the participant observation as a method of data collecting in studies which had as a general goal the comprehension of family living, getting sick and caring in a rural area in Southern Brazil. It is very important to the health care provider to know the way rural families live, establis ties and close relationships with the community in which the main interaction unity is linked by interpersonal relationships as the family, neighbors and friends.