Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.24141/2/10/1/2
Roma in the Healthcare System: Experiences of Healthcare Professionals
Debora Levstik Jašarevič
; Izola General Hospital, Izola, Slovenia
*
Andrej Kočevar
; Izola General Hospital, Izola, Slovenia
Daša Petrič
; Izola General Hospital, Izola, Slovenia
Mirko Prosen
; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Science, Izola, Slovenia
Sabina Ličen
; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Science, Izola, Slovenia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction. The Roma community faces numerous
challenges in accessing health services, including
language barriers, discrimination, low health literacy,
and social exclusion.
Aim. The aim of the research was to examine the
experiences of health professionals in treating Roma patients, with a focus on communication, cultural differences,
and access to health services. Special emphasis
was also placed on the presence of antigypsyism
in the healthcare system.
Methods. The research was based on a qualitativedescriptive
design. The sample included 15 healthcare
workers with experience in treating Roma patients,
primarily from the Dolenjska region. Data were
collected through semi-structured individual interviews
conducted between November and December
2024. The results were analyzed using thematic
analysis.
Results. Thematic analysis identified four themes:
(1) Cultural characteristics of the Roma community,
(2) Healthcare of Roma, (3) Interpersonal relationships
between healthcare workers and Roma, (4)
Communication with Roma. The results show that
language barriers, low health literacy, and cultural
differences are the main challenges in the treatment
of Roma patients. Healthcare workers highlighted
the use of “Roma helpers” – cultural mediators, communication
adaptations, and educational workshops
as successful strategies.
Conclusion. The research highlights the importance
of intercultural competences for improving healthcare
for the Roma community. Healthcare professionals
identified key strategies for addressing antigypsyism,
such as patience, building trust, involving
Roma cultural mediators, and organising targeted
workshops. These strategies align with current
guidelines, as they are based on respect, inclusion,
and co-design of services with the Roma community.
The findings can contribute to the development of
tailored programmes that promote inclusion and reduce
health inequalities.
Ključne riječi
Roma community; cultural differences; language barriers; healthcare workers; health literacy
Hrčak ID:
345876
URI
Datum izdavanja:
27.3.2026.
Posjeta: 162 *