Perfil nutricional, consumo alimentar e candidíase em mulheres quilombolas de um município do Maranhão

Abstract

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection, caused by an imbalance of the vaginal microbiota and significantly affecting women's quality of life. Among the factors that can contribute to this condition are eating habits and nutritional status. The Quilombola population, especially Quilombola communities, faces additional challenges in accessing healthcare, requiring more assertive interventions. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the relationship between the nutritional and dietary profile with the presence of Candida spp. in Quilombola women from a municipality in Maranhão. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted with a convenience sample composed of 47 Quilombola women, living in the rural area of the municipality of Caxias, in the State of Maranhão, Northeast Region of Brazil. Data collection included anthropometric data, food consumption, anamnesis, and microbiological analysis of the cervical-vaginal cytology examination. Candida spp. was detected in 21.3% (n=10) of the samples and found associations between education and the presence of Candida spp. (p < 0.019), consumption of some foods such as whole milk (p < 0.035), artificial soft drinks (p < 0.039), and juçara/açaí (p < 0.026), and the presence of Candida spp., percentage of adequacy of arm circumference (p < 0.043) and the presence of Candida spp. The study reveals the clinical and epidemiological importance of infection by Candida spp. in the health of Quilombola women. The association between education level and the presence of Candida spp. suggested a possible correlation with groups of women with less education. The frequency of infection was higher among younger women (19-30 years old) and those with lower purchasing power. Furthermore, the study addressed nutritional aspects, highlighting the association between some eating habits, nutritional status, and the occurrence of VVC. Nutritional intervention strategies can be considered to promote changes in eating habits and potentially reduce the incidence of VVC. In conclusion, the study observed that the Quilombola women approached were overweight, with a high concentration of abdominal adiposity, having a dietary profile based on large amounts of carbohydrates and kilocalories, a high frequency of Candida spp. was identified, in addition to low purchasing power and predominance of low education. We highlight the need for integrated approaches that consider not only clinical factors but also nutritional, social, and economic factors to better understand and address VVC in quilombola communities.