A importância do autocuidado para a manutenção da saúde em comunidade quilombola de Sergipe

The aim was to identify the level of understanding about self-care for the improvement of the quality of life of individuals from a quilombola community of Sergipe. Most subjects (70.6%) ignored the concept of self-care and 27% answered that don't take care of health. On identified knowledge deficits, health education and subsequent application of a short test, where 90% of the subjects responded adequately on the definition of self-care. There is a necessity to demonstrate to people that take care of themselves, through hygiene, good nutrition and physical activity practice, bring health benefits by providing better quality of life.