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Access to health care for Roma children in Central and Eastern Europe: findings from a qualitative study in Bulgaria

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Rechel, Boika, Blackburn, Clare, 1957-, Spencer, Nick, 1943- and Rechel, Bernd, 1970-. (2009) Access to health care for Roma children in Central and Eastern Europe: findings from a qualitative study in Bulgaria. International Journal for Equity in Health, Vol.8 . Article 24. ISSN 1475-9276

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-8-24

Abstract

Background: Despite the attention the situation of the Roma in Central and Eastern Europe has received in the context of European Union enlargement, research on their access to health services is very limited, in particular with regard to child health services. Methods: 50 qualitative in-depth interviews with users, providers and policy-makers concerned with child health services in Bulgaria, conducted in two villages, one town of 70,000 inhabitants, and the capital Sofia. Results: Our findings provide important empirical evidence on the range of barriers Roma children face when accessing health services. Among the most important barriers are poverty, administrative and geographical obstacles, low levels of parental education, and lack of ways to accommodate the cultural, linguistic and religious specifics of this population group. Conclusion: Our research illustrates the complexity of the problems the Roma face. Access to health care cannot be discussed in isolation from other problems this population group experiences, such as poverty, restricted access to education, and social exclusion.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Health and Social Studies
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Romanies -- Bulgaria., Health services accessibility -- Bulgaria, Child health services -- Bulgaria, Marginality, Social -- Bulgaria
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal for Equity in Health
Publisher:	BioMed Central Ltd.
ISSN:	1475-9276
Date:	30 June 2009
Volume:	Vol.8
Page Range:	Article 24
Identification Number:	10.1186/1475-9276-8-24
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain) (ESRC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/2154