This is a qualitative research that intends to verify how a group of poor women identify their health condition. Women were interviewed individually and the analysis was made according to their speeches. It was possible to identify that their concept of health was linked to physical activity, sensorial life and absence of diseases. The main reasons expressed by the women that perceived themselves as sick were sadness, pain, discouragement, discomfort and fear of dependence. The importance of these findings in the health-oriented care of women is here discussed