Ethnoknowledge in the health of rural communities in Marajó, Para- Amazon

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic and health aspects of residents who use alternative methods to treat recurrent diseases in rural communities in the municipality of Salvaterra, Marajó Island, Pará. Methods: This is an exploratory, cross-sectional study of a qualitative and quantitative nature. A semi-structured form was used, consisting of questions about social identification and the socio-environmental aspects of the residents of three rural communities in the municipality of Salvaterra: Julho, Ceará and São Veríssimo. Results: There was a prevalence of females, mostly Catholics, an average age of between 20 and 40 for half of those interviewed and a monthly family income of up to R$500.00. The houses were built of masonry (46.32%), followed by wood (35.29%), with no basic sanitation or water supply. In terms of occupation, plant extraction (36.03%) and fishing (18.38%) were the most cited. As for the most recurrent illnesses, intestinal infection accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting were most prevalent (57.35%), followed by flu-like syndromes and itching (20.59%), (17.65%), respectively. As for the means of treating illnesses, the use of herbal medicines prevailed. Conclusion: Identifying these socio-environmental and economic aspects, as well as the phytotherapeutic resources used by the rural population, proved to be relevant in the diagnosis of health in the region.