Vulnerability analysis and quilombola women’s health in a mining area in the Amazon

Abstract

Vulnerability encompass different factors that contribute to exposing individuals and groups to the illness processes. In this study, this concept was used to assess the health situation of 139 women living in eight quilombola communities located in a mining area, on the banks of the Trombetas River, in Oriximiná, Pará, Brazil. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews, which underwent quantitative analysis and descriptive statistics. Although quilombola communities are historically vulnerable, women are further weakened by individual, social, and programmatic factors, revealed in the poor access to education, information, work, income and health. Hence, public policies specifically suited to their gender and socio-cultural profile are needed.