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Revisiting the evidence on health and health care disparities among the Roma: a systematic review 2003–2012

  • Review
  • Published:
International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review of the epidemiological and health service utilization literature related to the Roma population between 2003 and 2012.

Methods

Systematic review of empirical research related to Roma health and health care utilization published between 2003 and 2012 identified through electronic databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Google Scholar). Methodological rigor was evaluated using a six-point set of design criteria.

Results

We found evidence for lower self-reported health and significantly higher mortality risk for Roma compared to non-Roma, and greater prevalence of health risk factors for Roma children, including environmental risks, low birth weight, and lower vaccination coverage. Studies of non-communicable and infectious disease remain insufficient to make firm conclusions on disparities. Barriers to care include lack of documentation and affordability of care, though more studies on health care utilization are needed.

Conclusions

Roma youth and adults are in need of programs that reduce health disparities and their increased mortality risk. Reducing exposure to risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and poor living conditions may be a target for interventions. More intervention studies and rigorous evaluations are needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Benjamin Cook

  2. Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, 120 Beacon Street, 4th Floor, Somerville, MA, 02143, USA

    Benjamin Cook, Geoffrey Ferris Wayne, Anne Valentine & Anna Lessios

  3. The World Bank, Washington, D.C, USA

    Ethan Yeh

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  2. Geoffrey Ferris Wayne
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Correspondence to Benjamin Cook.

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Cook, B., Wayne, G.F., Valentine, A. et al. Revisiting the evidence on health and health care disparities among the Roma: a systematic review 2003–2012. Int J Public Health 58, 885–911 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0518-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0518-6

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