Received December 28, 1997
Accepted January 16, 1999

The present study is the result of activities that are currently being developed in a health program sponsored by SENAR/SP, based on preventive medicine and destined to rural workers. A new methodology not previously used in the area was developed in seven major steps. The basic principie of this method consists of the transmission of notions of preventive medicine according to the needs of the municipalities. Reproductive health was taken as the reference point among the lines of action of this program and the following topics were developed: sexuality, prenatal care, delivery, puerperium, teenage pregnancy, family planning, contraceptives methods and prevention of gynecologic cancer. Other correlated and necessary lines were added to the program (community organization, basic sanitation, basic nutrition, oral health, and prevention of other diseases). Preliminary results are being presented, with comments about the model of training multiplying agents in na attempt to change behavior. This change, in turn, is directed to more adequate habits in order to achieve physical and mental health.