Women's health and the phenomenon of drugs in brazilian magazines

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss social and health repercussions in women due to drug use, as disclosed in reports published in magazines with national circulation. This is a qualitative research, with an exploratory and descriptive approach. Articles published in four magazines were used, during six consecutive months as of September of 2009. Fifty-two articles were identified with comments on women and the drug phenomena. The information was addressed by means of thematic content analysis. The reports address the increased consumption of drugs by women, the consumption of drugs to maintain and/or achieve the established sociocultural standards of beauty, with risks for addiction and overdose, and situations resulting from violence towards women living with male drug users. Economical, political, ideological and cultural reflexes for women involved with the drug phenomena could be the cause or consequence of implications in the health of this population.