Author/Editor		Avsec, Tatjana
Title		Romi in zdravje
Translated title		Health status of the Romanies
Type		članek
Source		In: Kraševec-Ravnik E, editor. Varovanje zdravja posebnih družbenih skupin v Sloveniji. Ljubljana: Inštitut za varovanje zdravja Republike Slovenije,
Publication year		1996
Volume		str. 129-59
Language		slo
Abstract		The paper pesents the living and social environments of the Romanies in Slovenia, which represent the main breeding ground for their poor health. These people, who lead a life of social deprivation and poverty on the outskirts of towns and on the fringe of society, as victims of racial discrimination and intolerance, represent a socially disadvantaged, high-risk population group. Very poor housing standards and sanitation, poor hygiene, undernutrition, and lack of the basic basic necessities of life crate a very high health risk for this population group with a characteristically high incidence of social illnesses. Because of low educational level, high unemployment rates and social isolation, Romanies are badly informed and their health awareness is very low. Poor access to appropriate preventive health programmes and lack of information about healthy living patterns create additional health risks for this vulnerable population. Also, their traditional healing methods, which are inspired by ancient beliefs in natural forces, and based on magical rituals, taking little note of the principles of modern medicine, have a great impact on the health status of this social group. Another factor determining health status of the Romanies is failure of the national health system to pay enough attention to the specific aspects of health of this population group, and the resulting poor accessibility of health services. These issues constitute the basis for the formulation of health promotion policies for this group, including both global and partial solutions. Global policies emphasize the importance of eliminating the causes of poor health status of the Romanies, and improving their socioeconomic position. They should be supported by a comprehensive and coordinated intersectoral action, stressing the battle against racial discrimination, which is one of the main obstacles to their self-determination and social integration.(abstract truncated) at 2000 characters.
Descriptors		GYPSIES SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT HEALTH STATUS PUBLIC HEALTH SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ATTITUDE TO HEALTH