Roma Population: Social Determinants and Primary Care Outcomes in Selected Countries of the CEE Region

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Several marginalized communities in Central Eastern Europe suffer unequal access to primary healthcare services. The most populous ethnic and minority group in the European region is the Roma people, with nearly 10 to 12 million people in European countries, among them 6 to 8 million living in the European Union. METHODS: Primary healthcare determinants of selected minority groups and communities were analyzed based on publicly available databases and/or publications. RESULTS: Longitudinal and comparative analysis of primary healthcare determinants in minority communities in the Central Eastern Europe Region showed differences in social and primary care determinants. Many barriers to accessing healthcare facilities, such as economy, lack of trust by Roma for healthcare providers, and physical communication were identified. There is a significant difference in trust on healthcare providers by both the Roma population and by non-Roma population; similarly, financial stability is another factor that becomes an impediment to access to free healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS: Joint activities plus local authorities’ commitment is essential in solving the barriers to primary healthcare as well as inequalities from the perspective of marginalized minorities.