PREVALÊNCIA DE ANTICORPOS CONTRA SARS-CoV-2 EM COMUNIDADES QUILOMBOLAS DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRASIL

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated social inequalities in Brazil, particularly among traditional populations such as quilombolas. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in two quilombola communities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, as well as to analyze factors associated with viral exposure, vaccination status, and sociocultural health practices. This is an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study with a quantitative approach, conducted between July and December 2023 in the communities of Furnas do Dionísio (Jaraguari/MS) and Tia Eva (Campo Grande/MS). Structured questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19, in addition to performing rapid serological tests for antibody detection. A total of 84 volunteers participated, of whom 96.4% tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, indicating high viral circulation within these communities. Most participants (98.8%) had been vaccinated and no severe adverse events were reported. A notable use of traditional health practices was observed, such as phytotherapy, reported by 32% of participants, demonstrating the integration of traditional and biomedical knowledge. Data analysis indicates that the high seroprevalence is directly related to structural vulnerabilities, such as household crowding, limited access to healthcare services, and historical inequalities. These findings underscore the importance of implementing specific public policies that encompass not only vaccination, but also improvements in living conditions, access to information, and the promotion of integrative and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. It is concluded that, despite the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign in reducing severe cases and deaths, quilombola communities remain highly exposed to risks, requiring continuous epidemiological surveillance, strengthening of primary healthcare, and recognition of traditional knowledge as an ally in promoting collective health.