Culture and health: unveiling self-care among quilombolas women

Abstract

This descriptive study with a qualitative approach aims to reveal the understanding and practices of quilombola women regarding self-care in health and to exchange knowledge and popular cultural practices with academics. Data were collected with black women from the Mutuca-MT quilombola community, through conversation circles permeated with stimulating dynamics for participation. It was evident that quilombola women develop self-care actions based on cultural traditions learned from their ancestors and many are afraid to return to health services because they feel disrespected by professionals regarding their knowledge and cultural practices. We believe that it is necessary for courses in the area of health to address, in the process of training future professionals, knowledge that will enable them to develop an approach and cultural negotiation with the people of traditional communities in the art of health care in its various dimensions.