Revisiting the evidence on health and health care

Authors: Benjamin Cook Geoffrey Ferris Wayne Anne Valentine Anna Lessios Ethan Yeh

Publish Date: 2013/10/05

Volume: 58, Issue: 6, Pages: 885-911

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Abstract

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 sixpoint set of design criteriaWe found evidence for lower selfreported health and significantly higher mortality risk for Roma compared to nonRoma and greater prevalence of health risk factors for Roma children including environmental risks low birth weight and lower vaccination coverage Studies of noncommunicable 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 neededRoma 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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