Self-perceived health among 'quilombolas' in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Over a century has passed since slavery was abolished in Brazil, yet quilombola communities remain socially vulnerable, especially when it comes to health. The goal of this study was to understand self-perceived health (SPH) in quilombola communities in Northern Minas Gerais, and the factors associated with their negative -perceived their own health. A household survey of a representative sample of quilombola communities in the study region. Validated tools were used to gather data about SPH, socioeconomic conditions, demographics, lifestyle and self-referred morbidity. Following a bivariate analysis, we proceeded to conduct a hierarchical logistics regression analysis. The prevalence of negative SPH was 46.0%. The following variables were statistically associated with negative SPH: age and years of schooling as distal variables, and high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, depression and back problems as proximal variables. SPH is associated with demographic and socioeconomic dimensions, and in particular with self-referred morbidity. The concept of health among the quilombola communities included in this study seems to be intimately linked to the absence of disease, especially chronic disease.
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, BR, stephanyketllin@hotmail.com.
Stéphany Ketllin Mendes
SK
Oliveira
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, BR, stephanyketllin@hotmail.com.
Mayane Moura
MM
Pereira
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, BR, stephanyketllin@hotmail.com.
Luiz Sena
LS
Guimarães
Departamento de Saúde da Mulher e da Criança, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, BR.
Antônio Prates
AP
Caldeira
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D063947:Enslavement; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations