Abstract
The study analyzes, from the perspective of Mauss' Theory of Gift, the implications of mediation between users and the policies carried out by health professionals. The study was conducted under a qualitative approach, with data produced from interviews and participatory observation with professionals, users and managers of SUS in two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Data analysis used a thematic analysis approach. It was found that stigma related to the way of life in the rural interferes in how professionals work with users, sometimes making their needs reduced to offering an assistance technical repertoire and professional supervision that creates greater difficulties to health services access. Also, it was found that health mediation, analyzed from the gifts circulation, proved to be a chance of professionals to exceed the biomedical limits, establish more symmetrical relationships with the users, and exercise the ability to perform comprehensive changes in the world of rural life. These elements have potential to enhance the movement of materiality and immaterialities, which have the power to produce affection, citizenship and solidarity.
Key words:
rural population; mediation in health; gift