This paper presents the results of an integrative literature review about the healthcare knowledge and practices of the Brazilian rural population. The analyzed sample had 16 papers found in the Brazilian Health Virtual Library (BVS), the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Observatory of the Brazilian Policy for Comprehensive Health of Countryside, Forest and Water Populations (OBTEIA) databases with no restriction regarding the year of publication. Examination of literature evidenced the diversity of healthcare practices, which involve medicinal plants, beliefs and religiosity, a healthy diet, social support and prevention, among other aspects. It was found that cultural context, economic issues and difficult access to health services favor the development of these practices and that these draw upon many types of knowledge and wisdoms. It is worth noting the need to value this knowledge and its integration with the conventional healthcare system background.
Keywords:
Health knowledge; attitudes; practice; Health care; Knowledge; Rural health; Literature review