Quilombola Communities Research Articles

A higher number of SARS-COV-2 infections in quilombola communities than in the local population in Brazil.

The historical and social vulnerability of quilombola communities in Brazil can make them especially fragile in the face of COVID-19, considering that several individuals have precarious health systems and inadequate access to water. This work aimed to characterize the frequency of SARS-COV-2 infections and the presence of IgM and IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in quilombola populations and their relationship with the presence of risk factors or preexisting chronic diseases in the quilombola communities. We analyzed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, serological status, comorbidities, and symptoms of 1,994 individuals (478 males and 1,536 females) from 18 Brazilian municipalities in the State of Sergipe of quilombola communities, which were evaluated at different epidemiological weeks, starting at the 32nd (August 6th) and ending at the 40th (October 3rd) epidemiological week. More than 70% of studied families live in rural areas and they have an extreme poverty social status. Although we found a higher number of SARS-COV-2 infections in quilombola communities than in the local population, their SARS-CoV-2 reactivity and IgM and IgG positivity varied across the communities investigated. Arterial hypertension was the most risk factor, being found in 27.8% of the individuals (9.5% in stage 1, 10.8% in stage 2, and 7.5% in stage 3). The most common COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities were headache, runny nose, flu, and dyslipidemia. However, most individuals were asymptomatic (79.9%). Our data indicate that mass testing must be incorporated into public policy to improve the health care system available to quilombola populations during a future pandemic or epidemic.

Physical activity and body composition in a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state (Brazil)

The Quilombola population has precarious living conditions and a risk of obesity. In addition, this population has been little studied in the health area, resulting in a gap in scientific evidence and a lack of policies to promote, protect, and restore health in Tocantins state. Objective: This study aimed to describe the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and body composition of a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study. We study 73 individuals between 10 and 81 years old. The instruments used were: Questionnaire on PAL and sedentary behavior and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance. The statistics analysis was performed using Stata software version 11.0. Results: Sedentary individuals were not found. Among children under 13 years old, 47.8% had a low PAL. The body composition, children and adolescents obtained better results 65.3% and 31.6% respectively. Conclusion: The children’s body fat indexes are within the recommendations (but the PAL is not). PAL of adolescents, adults, and the elderly is not sufficient to cause physiological adaptations in changing body fat levels. Although the Quilombola community maintains some cultural habits, complications of modern life regarding health are concerning, as they seem to be reaching these communities, leading to a lifestyle change, as observed in large cities. Keywords: Exercise; Body Composition; Vulnerable; Public Health.

Estimation of stature in a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil using anthropometric measurements of the hands

BackgroundEstimating or predicting stature, using fragments of the body or components of the human skeleton, for this purpose, originates from the idea of proportionality between the different parts of the body. The aim of this study is to estimate stature from anthropometric measurements of the hands (length and width). The sample consisted of 300 individuals from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil, 150 males and 150 females. All people from the quilombola community, enjoying good general health, were included, and those people who presented deformities of the hand, spine, and lower limbs were excluded.ResultThe correlation coefficients between stature and hand length values were positive and moderate. As for females, the correlation between stature and lengths of the right and left hands were respectively 0.574 (p < 0.0001) and 0.612 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe measure that best correlated with stature in the quilombola community in northeastern Brazil was hand length for both sexes, with the highest correlation for females.

Low Vaccine Coverage and Factors Associated with Incomplete Childhood Immunization in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and Rural Groups, Central Brazil.

Discrimination and limited access to healthcare services in remote areas can affect vaccination coverage. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate vaccination coverage for children living in quilombola communities and rural settlements in the central region of Brazil during their first year of life and to analyze the factors associated with incomplete vaccination. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on children born between 2015 and 2017. The percentage of children who received all vaccines recommended by the National Immunization Program in Brazil by 11 months and 29 days was used to calculate immunization coverage. Children who received the following vaccines were considered as having a complete basic vaccination schedule: one dose of BCG; three doses of Hepatitis B, of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT), of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and of Poliovirus (Polio); two doses of Rotavirus, of 10-valent pneumococcal (PCV10), and of Serogroup C meningococcal conjugate (MenC); and one dose of Yellow Fever (YF). Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and other doses recommended at or after 12 months were not included. Consolidated logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with incomplete vaccination coverage. Overall vaccination coverage was 52.8% (95% CI: 45.5-59.9%) and ranged from 70.4% for the Yellow Fever vaccine to 78.3% for the Rotavirus vaccine, with no significant differences between the quilombola and settler groups. Notably, the likelihood of incomplete general vaccination coverage was higher among children who did not receive a visit from a healthcare professional. Urgent strategies are required to achieve and ensure health equity for this unique and traditionally distinct group with low vaccination coverage.

Epidemiological study on dental caries in schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study

This paper aimed to describe the prevalence of dental caries in Quilombola schoolchildren aged 5 to 12 years using the DEF-T (decayed, extracted and filled teeth) and DMF-T (decayed, missing and filled teeth) indices. A cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 47 schoolchildren, aged between 5 and 12 years old, of both sexes, in a municipal school located in a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state (Brazil). The participants underwent a clinical oral examination, performed by a dentist. Despite the relatively low rates (DEF-T at 5 years of 1.5 and DMF-T at 12 years of 1.24), the prevalence of caries was 78.72%, being higher in males than in females. In addition, only 5.4% of schoolchildren with some experience of caries received restorative treatment. In conclusion, the prevalence of caries in Quilombola schoolchildren aged 5 to 12 years was 78.72%, while the DEF-T/DMF-T index was 2.85 (± 2.84) for females, and 3.71 (± 3.52) for males.

Teacher training, quilombola school education: Reflections on pedagogical practice in a quilombola community in barreirinha Amazonas-Brazil (2021-2022)

This research has the general objective of revealing interdisciplinary pedagogical practices that enhance the teaching and learning process from the dialogue between scientific knowledge and the local knowledge of the students of a multigrade class in a quilombola community. And specific objectives: 1) Analyze teacher training from the National Curricular Guidelines - DCN from its constitutive knowledge, as well as its substantial challenges and articulations; 2) Highlight the expressions of knowledge that significantly favor teaching and learning for students in multigrade classes, in Afro-descendant contexts. Qualitative Research and Autoethnography.

Ultra-processed food consumption and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study in Quilombola communities of Alagoas, Brazil

BackgroundThe processing of food can cause changes that turn them into risk factors for chronic diseases. A higher degree of food processing is associated with the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the prevalence of MetS and its risk factors, focusing on a population group especially subjected to precarious living conditions and food insecurity.MethodCross-sectional population-based study with women (19 to 59 years) from Quilombola communities of Alagoas. The socioeconomic, demographic, anthropometric, health status, lifestyle, and food intake (24-h recall) variables were analyzed. The dependent variable was the MetS, defined using the harmonization criteria of the Joint Interim Statement, and its components. The foods consumed were categorized according to the Nova Classification, assuming the highest UPF consumption as risk exposure. The measure of association was the prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95%CI, calculated by Poisson regression with robust variance. We also analyzed the association with the Nova score of UPF consumption.ResultsWe investigated 895 women (38.9 ± 11.0 years), of whom 48.3% had MetS. On average, 15.9% of the total energy intake came from UPF. Lower Nova scores were associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes and low HDL. Higher UPF consumption was associated with a 30% higher prevalence of hypertension (PR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.06–1.61).ConclusionThe highest UPF consumption was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension, while a lower Nova score was a protective factor against diabetes and low HDL. UPF consumption in Quilombola communities is important but lower than that observed in the Brazilian population in general. It is suggested that public health programs be implemented to promote healthy eating while valuing the existing eating habits and traditions among the remaining Brazilian Quilombola people.

Social security benefits for small-scale fisherman in a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil

Resumo Introdução: a pesca artesanal e a mariscagem são consideradas atividades especiais, para fins de benefícios, no âmbito do Regime Geral de Previdência Social do Brasil. Objetivo: descrever o acesso aos benefícios previdenciários por uma população quilombola tradicional pesqueira no Nordeste do Brasil, cuja principal atividade ocupacional é a extração e beneficiamento de mariscos. Métodos: estudo transversal, descritivo, em uma comunidade da Ilha da Maré, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, utilizando questionários padronizados. Resultados: participaram 213 pescadores artesanais e marisqueiras, 76,5% do sexo feminino. Dentre os participantes, 62,9% não recebem nenhum tipo de benefício previdenciário. Apesar de se submeter a uma jornada de trabalho exaustiva (90,9%), com exposição a substâncias químicas (83,9%), ruído (69,9%) e radiação solar (88,2%), a maioria não obtém rendimentos que garantam a subsistência familiar (79,6%). Conclusão: há um importante déficit no recebimento de benefícios previdenciários em uma população quilombola tradicional que atende aos critérios de segurados especiais. Sugere-se adequação da legislação, de forma que o acesso aos benefícios se torne mais justo para as comunidades tradicionais.

CPI da Funai e do Incra - reflexões entre Antropologia e agronegócio

Abstract Between 2015 and 2017, a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (PCI) took place in the Câmara dos Deputados (Brazil’s lower house) of the Brazilian National Congress, which investigated the formerly named National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) and the National Institute for Colonisation and Agrarian Reform (INCRA) in their attributions of demarcating lands, Indigenous and Quilombola lands, respectively. This PCI was established by the Ruralista caucus, a group that represents the interests of agribusiness inside Congress. One of the focuses of the PCI was to discuss the role of anthropology in the demarcation processes of Indigenous and Quilombola lands, questioning not only the work of anthropologists, but the field of knowledge itself. Through an ethnography of documents (shorthand notes of the meetings and reports presented) and by direct observation, the research that culminated in this article sought to reflect on the anthropological practice related to public policies for the redistribution of land to Indigenous peoples and Quilombola communities and their friction with agribusiness interests. The centrality of the agrarian agenda and the model of territorial development defended by agribusiness clashes with public policies for the democratisation of access to land. The FUNAI-INCRA PCI reveals yet another articulated attempt by agribusiness to establish new benchmarks for these public policies, through the Ruralista caucus, and for this reason anthropology was included in the debate.

Extracting babassu coconut oil: Mathematics Education in Quilombola communities

Resumo Este artigo resulta de aprendizagens construídas a partir de uma pesquisa de doutorado sobre os saberes e práticas socioculturais de Quebradeiras de coco babaçu, com o objetivo de compreender os saberes mobilizados por aquelas mulheres. Propomo-nos a estabelecer conexões entre essa prática sociocultural e a Educação Matemática em escolas quilombolas. Como aporte teórico, optamos pelos estudos de Bakare-Yusuf, Costa e D’Ambrosio. O estudo foi desenvolvido com seis Quebradeiras de coco residentes na comunidade quilombola Laranjeira, município de Aldeias Altas/MA. A orientação teórico-metodológica está assentada na Fenomenologia de Merleau-Ponty, cujo método de pesquisa é a Etnografia em Geertz. Os dados obtidos foram interpretados com o auxílio da Hermenêutica ricoeuriana. Entre os resultados, identificamos as ticas de matema das Quebradeiras de coco como saberes pluriepistêmicos e multiétnicos. Concluímos que o saber Tirar azeite pode ser compreendido pela Etnomatemática em comunidades quilombolas.

Práticas tradicionais e desenvolvimento sustentável: indicadores locais de sustentabilidade entre caiçaras e quilombolas da Bocaina

Abstract This article presents the methodology and findings of a study that proposed a set of local indicators for monitoring progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 in caiçara and quilombola communities in the territory of Bocaina in the municipalities of Paraty (Rio de Janeiro) and Ubatuba (São Paulo). The objective was to adapt a global and Brazilian national agenda to the territory level and to construct specific indicators to reflect that “localisation”. To begin with, 40 goals of Agenda 2030 were selected and adapted to conditions in the territory. Then a qualitative study of quilombolas and caiçaras identified local problems in achieving sustainable development and the alternative solutions developed to address those problems. On the basis of that study and secondary data from socioeconomic, environmental and public service information on those populations, 87 local indicators were constructed for the purpose of monitoring progress towards Agenda 2030 targets and goals in the territory.

Condições de saúde e relação com os serviços de saúde na perspectiva de pessoas de quilombo

Abstract Objectives to analyze the perceptions of the Quilombola population of Caldeirão about their health conditions and to identify the possibilities and difficulties in the relationship with the health services in their territory. Method a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, carried out in the Quilombola Community from Caldeirão, Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. Data production took place from March to April 2021, through individual semi-structured interviews with 30 residents, and thematic content analysis was applied. Results two empirical categories originated, revealing the Quilombola population’s perceptions about their health conditions and the health-disease process, the relationship that the community had with the local health services and the strengths and weaknesses inherent to this relationship. Conclusions and implications for practice Quilombola people’s perceptions showed a predominance of biomedical knowledge and a hospital-centric view, in addition to their weakened relationship with local health services. It is expected that the research results will encourage dialogue about these populations, considering that they represent a traditional group in a vulnerable situation. It is necessary to carry out further research to investigate/strengthen the Family Health Strategy role and unveil/problematize traditional knowledge in the face of biomedical knowledge hegemony in the scenario of Quilombola populations.

Saberes e práticas sobre saúde entre homens quilombolas: contribuições para a atenção à saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze health knowledge and practices among Quilombola men. Methods: a qualitative, descriptive study, carried out with 40 men from two Quilombola communities in Santa Izabel do Pará, state of Pará, Brazil. Individual interviews were carried out using a semi-structured script. Text corpus was subjected to analysis with Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires 0.6, alpha 3, through Descending Hierarchical Classification. Results: among participants, eight (20.00%) were aged 55 to 59 years. 382 text segments were identified, with 299 (78.27%) being used, generating five lexical classes, which made up two subcorpora. The classes were organized into four thematic axes, covering knowledge about health and practices to prevent and solve health problems. Final considerations: men highlighted popular/traditional wisdom permeated by biomedical knowledge, translating their understanding of how to act to remain or become healthy.

Panorama da hipertensão arterial nos quilombos do Brasil: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by pathological elevation of blood pressure, affecting 1.13 billion individuals globally and presenting a significant public health concern. Its etiology is multifactorial, influenced by genetic/epigenetic, environmental, and social factors. In Brazil, nearly a quarter of the general population experiences hypertension; however, the literature underscores its disproportionate impact on Afro-descendant communities, often marginalized from basic healthcare services. This study aims to gather prevalence data and establish a nationwide overview of hypertension within 21st-century quilombola communities through a comprehensive literature review. Fifteen studies published between 2001 and 2021, meeting the specified methodological criteria, were selected. These studies collectively encompass 140 quilombola communities spanning 11 Brazilian states. The aggregate prevalence of hypertension across these communities averages at 32.1% (ranging from 13.8% to 52.5%). This panorama unequivocally highlights the recurring and paramount health challenge posed by hypertension within these populations, underscoring the need for tailored management strategies.

Ictiofauna do Parque Nacional Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba: um divisor de bacias hidrográficas na principal área de expansão agrícola do Cerrado Brasileiro

Abstract The Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba National Park (NPNP), located in Brazilian Cerrado, protects portions of three river basins: headwaters of Parnaíba, a small portion in upper Tocantins-Araguaia, and tributaries of the middle section of the São Francisco. This protected area is in the boundaries of the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia, also known as MATOPIBA, a region that has established rapid agricultural expansion associated to land conflicts between corporate agriculture, family agriculture, protected areas, indigenous territories, and quilombola communities. The knowledge of the ichthyofauna in this region is scarce while the impacts on the aquatic environments are increasing. We made a survey of fishes in the NPNP and its surroundings areas, estimating richness, endemics, introduced and shared species between river basins. During 2014, 54 sampling sites were visited, 19 in the NPNP and 35 in the surrounding area. Ninety-five species, 51 genera, 22 families, and six orders were recorded, of which 38 (40%) are in the NPNP. One introduced species were recorded in the Parnaíba River basin and no endangered species were registered. Our data corroborate the importance of the network of protected areas for the preservation of Cerrado fishes, including some possibly undescribed and restricted-range species that may be threatened due to intense agricultural encroachment in the MATOPIBA region.

Conhecimento etnobotânico no quilombo do Castainho, Garanhuns – Pernambuco

As comunidades quilombolas estão distribuídas em todo território brasileiro, vivendo de atividades de subsistência como agricultura e pecuária. O estudo dessas populações contribui para o registro dos saberes, da cultura e biodiversidade associada. O presente trabalho objetivou analisar o conhecimento sobre a diversidade de plantas úteis do Castainho, Garanhuns – Pernambuco. A pesquisa foi conduzida por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, associada a técnica da turnê-guiada que consiste em coletar as espécies citadas com ajuda de um especialista local. Após coleta as plantas, foram secas em estufa a 40ºC, preparadas em exsicatas e levadas para identificação. Os dados das entrevistas foram categorizados no Excel. Análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software Bioestat 5.3. Como resultado, 64 pessoas participaram entre homens (25%) e mulheres (75%). A faixa etária dos informantes variou de 18 a 91 anos, com maior frequência na faixa de 47 a 57, idade em que houve maior número de citações. Foram registradas 158 etnoespécies dispostas em 68 famílias botânicas compostas por espécies nativas (40%) e exóticas (60%) indicadas principalmente como alimento e medicinal. A fragmentação territorial da comunidade e a expansão imobiliária no seu entorno são fatores associados localmente a redução da diversidade, o que pode justificar o menor índice de plantas nativas. A falta de interesse entre os mais jovens e o esquecimento relatado pelos idosos podem comprometer a transmissão do conhecimento. As mulheres possuem forte participação na manutenção das práticas tradicionais Elas constituem um caminho para fortalecer as relações bioculturais no Castainho.

Saúde da Família, territórios quilombolas e a defesa da vida

Abstract This article presents and debates historical elements of quilombola struggle and resistance as significant aspects for the production of health and defense of life in these territories. We articulate and reflect upon the importance and limits of the Family Health Strategy in the recognition, appreciation and integration of knowledge and practices of quilombola communities to professional health care focusing on their work processes. This study results from a participatory health research developed with workers of a Family Health Strategy in a quilombola community from north of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We concluded that, despite the potential of the Family Health Strategy, the challenges for comprehensive health care in the territory studied tend to compromise the community’s protagonism - especially that of women - and the effectiveness of care. Quilombola knowledge, experiences and ancestral memories of care are not valued within the scope of the Family Health Strategy. These aspects have little impact on territorialized health care and, therefore, far from a public policy of rights.

Efficacy of household methods for disinfecting water for human consumption: focus on the context of Santarém, state of Pará, Brazil

In the Amazon region, cities such as Santarém, in the state of Pará, Brazil, still lack Water Treatment Stations to serve the entire population. In these places, household methods of water disinfection are important to preserve potability and avoid undesirable health effects. Our study experimentally evaluated the effect of household methods for eliminating Escherichia coli in water samples. The techniques evaluated for this study were: (i) sodium hypochlorite 2.5%; (ii) boiling; (iii) ceramic filter, and (iv) sun exposure. Samples were tested, combining different concentrations of E. coli (from 3 to 100 colony forming units/100mL). The results showed that household disinfection methods were effective in eliminating E. coli; except for the ceramic filter, the water of which was still positive for their growth, even after filtration. Considering that the distribution of treated water does not reach most of the population living in Santarém and in peri-urban areas, such as the quilombola and riverside communities, the use of such methods as sodium hypochlorite 2.5%, boiling, and sun exposure may favor health promotion and reduce the occurrence of outbreaks of dysentery transmitted by water.

Identidade negra/quilombola: diálogos intergeracionais de autoafirmação em uma comunidade do sertão nordestino

ABSTRACT This work registers a research carried out with quilombola children, preadolescents and elderly people presenting the following topic: the construction processes of black and quilombola identities and self-affirmation. The research aimed to identify racial- and cultural-defined factors of these individuals’ identities; presenting the relations between racial identity and quilombola identity, in order to comprehend how such social constructions are related to each other and how they are managed by individuals from different generations. The research was conducted at the quilombola community Serra das Viúvas (Alagoas). A qualitative research was carried out with group workshops inspired by focal groups. A group of two elderly people and 37 children and preadolescents participated in the research. The results show generational factors involved in racial self-affirmation, as well as in being a quilombola, factors which were presented differently by young and elder participants.

Memória social dos quilombos do Cariri um acervo virtual em construção

The lack of registration of the oral traditions of quilombola communities and the urgent need to strengthen the quilombos in a context of persecution and invisibility justify this research, which seeks to contribute to the production of knowledge as well asto collect memory and oral tradition of the Quilombo Serra dos Mulatos, in Jardim/CE. In a qualitative approach, we used bibliographical research and documental survey. In a later stage, field research will becarried out with the application of interviews and complementary methodologies. The objective is to capture and understand the memories that permeate the process of self-recognition and the potential impact of preserving the quilombola memory in the reality of the community. This is an important contribution to valuing the country's cultural diversity and to strengthening the remaining quilombo communities, ensuring that future generations have access to those oral traditions and the memory of their ancestors.