Environmental Health Literacy of Brazilian Indigenous People

TL;DR

This study explores how Brazilian Indigenous people understand and manage environmental health risks, revealing factors that influence their knowledge and suggesting the need for culturally respectful policies.

Contribution

The paper introduces a culturally adapted EHL scale and identifies key factors influencing EHL among Brazilian Indigenous communities.

Findings

EHL levels vary significantly based on gender, age, education, and access to health services and clean water.

Traditional health actors like midwives play a crucial role in transmitting health knowledge within Indigenous communities.

The study emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive public health strategies for Indigenous populations.

Abstract

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is essential for individuals to protect themselves from environmental health risks. Indigenous populations are particularly vulnerable to these risks, given the historical threats they have suffered from the advance of agricultural frontiers and impacts of deforestation, mining, and extreme weather events. This study investigates the dimensions of EHL among indigenous communities in Brazil, considering the scarcity of research in this field. Using a scale adapted to measure EHL in topics such as air, water, and food, it was possible to access the EHL levels of a sample of different Brazilian indigenous ethnic groups. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and the Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The results revealed significant variations in EHL levels, influenced by factors such as gender, place of residence, age, education, access to health services, and potable water. In addition, the presence of traditional actors, such as midwives, was identified as an important factor in the transmission of health knowledge. The research highlights the need for public policies that respect the cultural specificities of indigenous communities and promote self-care and environmental preservation, contributing to the development of culturally sensitive public health strategies.