The lack of compliance with treatment and the consequent lack of control of hypertension represent a major challenge to primary care in Brazil. Understanding the subjective relationship of patients with hypertension can expand the possibilities of more effective control measures. The aim was to understand and analyze the social representations of women with hypertension about the disease and their family environment. Study participants were 26 women diagnosed with hypertension and registered in a Unit of Primary Health Care in the city of Porto Firme, Brazil. The study was based on qualitative research and elected social representations as theoretical and methodological principle. The data, collected through focus groups, interviews and notes in a diary, were examined through content analysis. In the analysis emerged semantic attractions depicting the representations of women on hypertension - psychological effects and feelings related to the diagnosis of hypertension; daily life of patients with hypertension and changes in their daily lives; and family life with hypertension - through which have identified different dimensions and spaces connected to membership, both individually and collectively, emphasizing access to information associated with social support as a factor in favor of compliance with the treatment.
qualitative research; health education; hypertension
