Português

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in understanding of health-related phenomena is an important aspect promoting improvement of quality of life in hypertension and diabetes mellitus, diseases that are more prevalent in black populations of Brazil, as for example, the quilombola. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of quilombolas about fats, salt and sugars in the dietary control of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the city of Bequimão, Maranhão, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 115 quilombolas, collecting socioeconomic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics and knowledge about dietary control in hypertension and diabetes mellitus. To verify the association between the variables studied, we used the chi square or Fisher’s exact test (p0.05). Results: Adequate knowledge was found regarding the amount of fat in food and the use of sweeteners. However, most of the quilombolas studied are unaware or uncertain about the quality of fats, the presence or not of cholesterol and salt content in food, as well as the influence that dietary sources of protein, fiber and fat have on blood sugar levels. Final considerations: The present study leads to the conclusion that most quilombolas studied, especially men and also hypertensive, lack knowledge about fats, salt and sugars from food.

Keywords: Health of the Black Population. Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice. Quilombola Communities. Hypertension. Diabetes Mellitus.