[The meaning of health and disease from the child's point of view].

This study aimed to understand the meaning of health and disease for the child in the age range from 7 to 12 years old. The population was divided in two groups. The first group consisted of children in a school environment, while the second consisted of hospitalized children. This study was based on Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical framework and on Grounded Theory as a methodological framework. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews, since this allowed us to explore the definitions exposed by the child. We perceived that, in both groups, the definition of health is similar, that is, in other words, something that provides them freedom and is conditioned by body care and feeding. About the conception of disease, the school child tries to understand the disease, its causes and consequences. Hospitalized children tell their experiences by focusing on their own disease and situation.