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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

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

Authors: Boika Rechel, Clare M Blackburn, Nick J Spencer, Bernd Rechel

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2009

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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.
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Metadata
Title
Access to health care for Roma children in Central and Eastern Europe: findings from a qualitative study in Bulgaria
Authors
Boika Rechel
Clare M Blackburn
Nick J Spencer
Bernd Rechel
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-9276-8-24

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