Banca de DEFESA: ANADIER PIMENTEL BEZERRA CUNHA LIMA PORTO VIEIRA

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ANADIER PIMENTEL BEZERRA CUNHA LIMA PORTO VIEIRA
DATE: 27/02/2026
TIME: 09:30
LOCAL: Departamento de Saúde Coletiva e Google Meet.
TITLE:

Between borders and knowledge: attention to the health of the Warao indigenous population in Mossoró/RN.

KEY WORDS:

Indigenous Health; South American Indigenous Peoples; Migrants; Venezuela; Brazil.

PAGES: 140
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Saúde Coletiva
SUMMARY:

In light of the social, economic, and political transformations that have taken place in Venezuela, Brazil has become a consolidated destination for Venezuelan migrants and refugees, among whom the Warao Indigenous people stand out. These populations have established migratory flows that led to their arrival in the municipality of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte, where they began to experience multiple situations of vulnerability, particularly regarding access to health care. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand the main challenges related to health care for the Warao Indigenous population and for the Family Health Team responsible for providing care to this group in Mossoró/RN, Brazil. This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through open interviews with four representatives of the Warao people, including leaders, midwives, and community members, as well as with nine health professionals who worked directly in providing care to this population. The interviews were previously scheduled and audio-recorded. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed based on Bardin’s methodological framework, following the stages of pre-analysis, material exploration, and categorical analysis. The results showed that the initial integration of the Warao into the primary health care network was marked by language barriers, cultural shock, and difficulties in understanding the functioning of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Over time, a process of mutual adaptation between Indigenous people and health professionals took place, facilitated by the organization of health actions within the shelter context. Challenges related to socioeconomic determinants persisted, along with weaknesses in institutional reception, limitations in the intercultural training of health teams, and tensions between the biomedical model and the traditional practices of the Warao. The Primary Health Care Unit was recognized by the Indigenous people as the main reference for care, with particular value placed on the professionals’ welcoming attitude, proximity, and technical competence. The construction of a hybrid model of care was evidenced, integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge—associated with natural and cultural practices—with the biomedical practices present in the health service. It is concluded that although the health unit is recognized as a legitimate space for professional and technical care, full access to health care is weakened by language barriers, which generate mutual misunderstandings and potential risks to diagnosis and treatment. Improving the quality of health care for the Warao depends on the adoption of intercultural practices that promote dialogue, respect for cultural differences, and the active participation of the Indigenous community in care processes.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interna - 1231563 - ANA KALLINY DE SOUSA SEVERO
Externo à Instituição - ELIANE ANSELMO DA SILVA
Presidente - 2735266 - GEORGIA COSTA DE ARAUJO SOUZA