The Roma in government services
The need for health services among the Roma population does not differ from that of the general population, but the Roma more often feel that the services are insufficient.
Participants in the Roma well-being survey (Roosa) visit health centre physicians and dentists more often than the general population.
The Roma experience a great deal of discrimination in their dealings with the authorities. Experiences of discrimination undermine trust in the authorities and affect access to services.
Roma living conditions, inclusion and discrimination
Individualised treatment increases trust in the authorities
Cultural differences and perceptions of well-being, health and illness affect the use of services. The most important thing is to take account of the client's individual needs. The professional must give the client an opportunity to explain how they want their cultural background to be taken into account.
Key principles for interaction with clients and patients:
- Reserve enough time for meetings and treatment.
- Be bold in asking questions, take into account the client's life experiences and strengths, and provide information about the services available. There are differences between the generations in their attitudes towards adherence to cultural practices. For example, a young woman may find it difficult to talk about domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
- Knowledge of Roma habits is not required from those who are not Roma. However, understanding the primary characteristics makes interaction easier.
- The family plays an important role in Roma culture. Roma people may come to an appointment or public office accompanied by someone else.
- Roma culture includes rules on matters such as concepts of cleanliness and appropriate topics of speech.
Material for client and patient work:
Luttinen K. (2007). Vast vastensa. Opas romanien kanssa työskenteleville sosiaalialan ammattilaisille. Oulun kaupunki. (in Finnish)
Romanien kohtaaminen ja auttaminen turvakodeissa (THL) (In Finnish)
