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Early Childhood in Marginalized Roma Communities: Health Risks and Health Outcomes

Daniela Filakovska Bobakova1,2, Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska1

  • 1Department of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia.

International Journal of Public Health
|April 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children from marginalized Roma communities (MRCs) in Slovakia face significant health risks due to poverty-related factors, including poor air quality and diet, leading to worse health outcomes. Addressing these disparities is crucial for child development and public health policy.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Early childhood health disparities persist globally, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
  • Socioeconomic factors significantly influence environmental exposures and health outcomes in young children.
  • Understanding specific risks within vulnerable populations is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare early childhood health risks and outcomes between children from marginalized Roma communities (MRCs) and the majority population in Slovakia.
  • To identify key socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to health differences.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study utilizing data from mother-child dyads (N=109 majority, N=143 MRCs).
  • Data collection via questionnaires and medical records.
  • Statistical analysis included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare socioeconomic status, health risks, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Mothers from MRCs reported significantly worse socioeconomic status and poorer household air quality (heating with stoves, burning wood, indoor smoking).
  • Children in MRCs exhibited shorter breastfeeding duration, unhealthy diets (less fruit/vegetables, more processed foods), and increased antibiotic use.
  • Children from MRCs experienced higher rates of respiratory and diarrheal diseases and more frequent hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

  • Poverty-related factors significantly endanger the health and development of children in Slovakian MRCs.
  • Persistent disparities in early childhood exposures and health outcomes necessitate prioritization in state social and health policies.
  • Targeted public health strategies are required to mitigate these risks and promote equitable child development.
Abstract

Keywords:
early childhoodhealthhealth risksmarginalized Roma communitiespoverty

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