Access and use of health services by quilombolas (inhabitants of black communities) with arterial hypertension

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe the access and use of health services by hypertensive individuals living in quilombola communities in Bahia. This is a population-based descriptive investigation, with data obtained through the application of a validated questionnaire for the quilombola population,> 18 years old, of both sexes. Hypertension was determined by self-referral medical diagnosis. And, questions regarding access and use of the system and health were obtained. Blood pressure was measured by 72.7% of participants in the last six months. Hypertension was prevalent in 28.0% of the population, higher in the elderly and in women. The diagnoses occurred at 55.3+14.7 years on average. Among the sick, 55.5% cited consultations to monitor their clinical status, while 49.7% purchased all medicines from public health services. There is a discontinuity of assistance or use of health services, so it seems a misconception the indication of underutilization of services by quilombolas, the problem is the absence and / or barriers to access and accessibility for appropriate use to demand.