Práticas de cuidados tradicionais por idosos em comunidades rurais da Amazônia: Revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

to identify in the literature the traditional practices of care for the elderly in rural communities in the Amazon. Method: This is a qualitative study. Conducted in the Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, from August to December 2024. Results: The final sample consisted of 19 articles. Discussion: Practice disseminated worldwide, mainly by people who have this knowledge, described as healers, shamans, witch doctors, midwives, mediums and “sorcerers”; the main health problems treated by traditional medicine: conditions such as tropical diseases such as malaria and snakebites, respiratory tract diseases, rheumatic diseases, diarrheal diseases and worms, as well as skin infections and musculoskeletal injuries; The use of plants, oils, seeds, barks and animals was identified in the use of traditional medicine: use of plants in their entirety and their parts such as barks, fruits or leaves, prepared in infusions, teas, macerations, baths, mixtures, exfoliants, smoke for rituals and incense; the relationship between health services and traditional medicine, there is a tendency not to seek immediate medical help, with traditional medicine practices or a combination of both being more common. Conclusion: Data were identified regarding practices constantly experienced by the group studied, mainly the use of medicinal plants for health care, in addition to materials of animal origin and their respective purposes, such as their topical use. Other issues identified were regarding rituals, blessings, “unmaskers” and midwives