Contents
- Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Immunisation
- Maternity services
- Children and young people
- Rough sleepers and homeless community members
- Introduction to the Roma health guide
- Barriers to healthcare for the Roma community
- System barriers
- Language barriers and communication
- Cultural barriers - Common health problems and vulnerable groups:
- Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Immunisation
- Maternity services
- Children and young people
- Rough sleepers and homeless community members
Language barriers and communication
Click on the headings below to view text.
Digital exclusion
Many Roma, especially older people, do not have the devices or internet access to use digital services. They also often lack the skills to use online booking and video appointments. According to research by Roma Support Group [1] and New Europeans [2] on the impact of the EU Settlement Scheme’s digital-only status. most people in the community they support:
Often patients will lack the skills to arrange or rearrange appointments, and will need help from family members or frontline professionals.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased digital exclusion due to a move towards online booking systems and digital reminders for appointments. Video appointments by GPs and hospitals, such as the ‘Attend Anywhere’ software for hospitals, require reliable internet access and a smartphone or tablet.
- do not own tablets or laptops
- do not have a valid personal email address
- need help to fill in an online form.
Often patients will lack the skills to arrange or rearrange appointments, and will need help from family members or frontline professionals.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased digital exclusion due to a move towards online booking systems and digital reminders for appointments. Video appointments by GPs and hospitals, such as the ‘Attend Anywhere’ software for hospitals, require reliable internet access and a smartphone or tablet.
[1] From paper "Why Roma might have more difficulty getting Settled Status", 2021. Also: "Statement on the impact of EU Settlement Scheme digital-only status on the Roma community in the UK".
[2] "Digital status: Handle with care report".
[2] "Digital status: Handle with care report".
Literacy
Roma people have often received limited education in their countries of origin, and many have low literacy skills or do not understand medical terms even in their first language (usually Romanes) or second language (for example, Polish, Romanian or Slovak). Many have trouble reading a formal letter or written material in English, and some struggle to understand dates and times, often missing appointments for screening or vaccinations unless they are reminded.
Language barriers and interpreting services
Many Roma community members have poor English skills and require an interpreter or health advocate to attend consultations.
Where language is a problem in discussing health matters, NHS England guidance recommends that you should always offer to provide a registered interpreter when this is available, rather than using family or friends to interpret. However, as there are few professional interpreters who work in Romanes, communication often takes place in the patient’s second language and there may be little time for explanations, leading to misunderstanding.
Also, because of their experience of discrimination, some Roma patients may be reluctant to disclose their Roma identity and using Romanes as a first language.
Many health and care professionals do not know how to dial in an interpreter to three-way telephone calls or the Attend Anywhere platform, and family members are too frequently asked to interpret during consultations. This can result in an incomplete or inaccurate account of the patient’s needs (for example, if children are asked to interpret for their mother on maternity care, or a husband for his wife).
Health-related taboos and customs in traditional Roma culture include close relatives, and will affect how much information patients provide in that situation. See the section below on cultural barriers for more information.
Where language is a problem in discussing health matters, NHS England guidance recommends that you should always offer to provide a registered interpreter when this is available, rather than using family or friends to interpret. However, as there are few professional interpreters who work in Romanes, communication often takes place in the patient’s second language and there may be little time for explanations, leading to misunderstanding.
Also, because of their experience of discrimination, some Roma patients may be reluctant to disclose their Roma identity and using Romanes as a first language.
Many health and care professionals do not know how to dial in an interpreter to three-way telephone calls or the Attend Anywhere platform, and family members are too frequently asked to interpret during consultations. This can result in an incomplete or inaccurate account of the patient’s needs (for example, if children are asked to interpret for their mother on maternity care, or a husband for his wife).
Health-related taboos and customs in traditional Roma culture include close relatives, and will affect how much information patients provide in that situation. See the section below on cultural barriers for more information.
Information channels
Low literacy levels and English proficiency, added to long working hours, mean the Roma community is hard to reach with public health information in the usual way through official channels or social media. Word of mouth is still the most effective way of distributing public health messages, particularly for community members aged 40 and over.
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The Roma Support Group is a registered Charity (No. 1103782)
and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, (No. 0464598). Registered office address: 17 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ |
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