This is a nursing literature review. It aimed to identify aspects of the life cycle and family health within the rural context. Twenty two articles published between 2003 and 2010 have been analyzed through Medline, Lilacs, BDEnf, and Cinahl databases. They were selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results show health aspects of the family unit during typical transitions of the life cycle, the relationship with nursing professionals, implications about health information/knowledge related to care behavior, and family health promotion. This study concludes that nursing care promotes rural family health upon considering culture, health education, and the environment. It reinforces the importance of health information and knowledge in order to promote healthy family behaviors, in addition to the nursing role in family-centered care, emphasizing health education
Family health; Nursing; Rural health; Family