[Domains of physical activity in slave-descendant communities in Southwest Bahia State, Brazil: a population-based study]

Cardiovascular risk factors across different levels of urbanization in Brazilian Afro‐derived communities ( quilombos )

OBJECTIVES

The frequency of cardiovascular diseases has increased throughout the world. People of African descent have been disproportionately affected, particularly if they reside in urban settings. In this work, we evaluate risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other chronic diseases in rural and urban Afro-derived communities (quilombo) in Central Brazil. We also determine if there are associations between the frequency of CVD risk factors, sex, and proximity to urban environments.

METHODS

Through a cross-sectional study of participants (n = 347) within three Brazilian Afro-derived communities: Kalunga (a semi-isolated rural community; n = 214), Cocalinho (a non-isolated rural village; n = 70), and Pé do Morro (an urban community; n = 63), we collected data regarding chronic disease (i.e., CVD, diabetes, and hypertension) risk through questionnaires, anthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood samples using standard protocols. Differences between variables were tested by the Chi-square test of Pearson and Fisher's Exact Test, independent sample t-tests, analysis of variances, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ≤ .05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension, overweight, obesity, and other cardiovascular risk factors were higher in the non-isolated rural and urban communities than in the semi-isolated rural community. We found significant sex differences in the distribution of the CVD risk factors, with all occurring at a higher frequency among females.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that Brazilian Afro-derived communities are currently going through an epidemiological transition. The urban lifestyle and its environmental factors are likely contributing to an escalation in cardio-metabolic disease risk. However, the magnitude of this transition differentially impacts the sexes, as females suffer a higher frequency of risk factors compared to males.

Factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola elderly people

This paper aimed to assess the factors related to the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs in quilombola older adults. This is a cross-sectional, analytic study performed with elderly residents in the quilombola community Caiana dos Crioulos, Alagoa Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. The researched dependent variables were the physical capacity of upper and lower limbs. It was performed the Spearman correlation and multiple and linear simple regression (95% CI; p<0.05). This work was performed per Resolution 466/2012 from National Health Council. Forty-three older adults were assessed. The bivariate analyses showed a positive correlation between handgrip strength (HGS) and physical activity (PA), between HGS and arm muscle circumference (AMC), and an inverse correlation between Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and age. The multiple-model for HGS was significantly correlated with age, AMC, and years of study (R2=0.374; p<0.05). Regarding the SPPB, it showed a significant correlation with age (R2=0.2524; p=0.001). Therefore, the muscle mass reserve, years of study, and age were factors related to the physical capacity among quilombola older adults. The strict compliance of these aspects and the early intervention can preserve physical capacity and ensure the productive inclusion and economic autonomy so much sought in the communities' social agenda.