Brazilian soap-opera: a way to convey health questions

Abstract

This study had as objective to reflect upon the role of soap opera produced by the Rede Globo Television as a means of communication of health issues. It is a descriptive study of qualitative approach. Data collecting was accomplished through semi-structured interviews. The subjects were twenty residents of LuísViana Filho a suburb of Itapé, Bahia State. Data showed that soap operas provide to the viewers discussions on controversial subjects of everyday life. As for the viewer’s point of view, soap opera is received in a collective way and it is inserted in the daily practices of the families. Such insertion makes possible to the viewers the apprehension of information about real life situations triggering discussions on social issues. It was observed that television fills out the emptiness increased by the quotidian in the urban life, and the soap opera is shown capable to create and/or change behaviors, review the viewers' conducts, especially those concerning health issues.