Use of psychotropic drugs among Indigenous and Quilombola communities in Brazil

Abstract

The use of psychotropic drugs has become a public health issue due to their high consumption worldwide. In the context of traditional populations, the literature on the use of these medications is scarce. This study presents a descriptive analysis of psychotropic drug use among Indigenous and Quilombola communities in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte, Alagoas, and Piauí in Brazil. Data collection was conducted between March and June 2023 using two structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions applied during home visits. These questionnaires gathered sociodemographic profiles of the Indigenous and Quilombola communities and general psychotropic drug usage. Out of 335 individuals from the four states who responded to the questionnaires on general psychotropic drug use, 53 reported using these medications. The users were predominantly adult women with low educational attainment, older age, low income, and reliance on social programs. Antidepressants were the most commonly used therapeutic class. The study concludes that economic and social vulnerability is likely a significant factor in the social determinants of psychological distress and psychotropic drug use.

Keywords

• Indigenous Peoples
• Quilombola Communities
• Psychotropics Drugs
• Medicalization
• Mental Health
• Brazil