[Family caregiver activity: meanings and beliefs].

This qualitative study aims at apprehending the meanings and beliefs of caregiver of people with methabolic syndrome in the domiciliar context. It used the symbolic interactionism as theoretical referential, following the content analysis approach of Bardin. For data collection the semi-structured interviews and the free observation were used, in the period from march to may, 2005. The results demonstrate important work overload delivered to the relative by the caregiver, which implies in meaningful impact about physical, emotional and social health. It was concluded that reflections about the person who is continously involved with their relatives' care must be intensified, aiming at a better preparation of them to domiciliar therapeutic accompanying.