The Health of the Serbian Roma/Gypsies: A Research Report

Abstract

The Balkan region is densely populated by Roma, a socially disadvantaged, stigmatized and relatively reproductively isolated ethnic group. Health data from across Europe show that being a Roma is associated with much poorer health status than is seen in the majority populations or among other ethnic minority groups. These data may not be accurate as the number of Roma was grossly underestimated. Almost nothing is known about the health of Serbian Roma. In this presentation we describe the results of a 2014 study of Serbian Roma women living in two settlements in the northern province of Serbia, with a focus placed on investigating health history of the females and their close kin. We focused on health concerns and on behaviors that are protective or that increase risk for chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases). A special focus placed on reproductive histories.