Resumo

IRIGIBEL-URIZ, Xavier. Nursing responses to health related social problems in Costa Rica. Index Enferm [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.2, pp.101-105. ISSN 1699-5988.

Poverty, social inequality, precarious work conditions and lack of safety in the streets, among others, are the prevailing characteristics of Costa Rican society. Facing this reality, nursing plays the role of an association of professionals that works in response to the needs and problems of individuals and groups of people. This research, which is of a qualitative nature, applies hermeneutic phenomenology in order to understand the different responses generated by nursing to health-related social problems. Information obtained through a discussion forum is analysed and further complemented by a detailed interview, requiring for the connection between nursing and the hegemonic health institutions to be reestablished.

Palavras-chave : Social change; Nursing; Health Systems.