Health Disparities in Roma Populations

The Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority yet endure substantial health inequities shaped by socioeconomic exclusion, discrimination and cultural marginalisation. Epidemiological evidence indicates elevated burdens of both communicable infections—such as parasitic and viral diseases—and non-communicable conditions, notably metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Living in segregated settlements, limited educational access and low health literacy contribute to delayed diagnosis and fragmented care, while discriminatory attitudes within healthcare systems exacerbate mistrust and reduce service uptake. Psychosocial stressors and structural barriers further compound risks, resulting in excess premature mortality. Addressing these disparities demands culturally sensitive policies that improve health literacy, ensure equitable access to preventive and curative services, and integrate community-based strategies to restore trust and empower Roma populations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Comparative analyses of cardiovascular risk have revealed that Roma adults face a significantly higher 10-year probability of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events than the general population. By applying multiple risk-scoring models, researchers demonstrated that both Roma men and women more frequently fall into high-risk categories, underscoring the role of elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and diabetes. The findings call for community-targeted interventions aimed at reducing smoking rates, advancing lipid and glucose control and enhancing awareness of cardiovascular prevention within Roma communities.

Health Disparities in Roma Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in health disparities in roma populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Metabolic syndrome: A combination of metabolic abnormalities—such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension—that collectively raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Health literacy: The capacity to access, understand and use health information and services effectively to make informed health decisions.

Cardiovascular risk factors: Characteristics—including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, smoking and obesity—that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Chronic medical conditions not directly transmitted between individuals, encompassing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and related disorders.

References

1. The effects of literacy on health in Gypsies, Roma and Travellers (GRT): a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Global Health (2024).
2. Clinical and Metabolic Particularities of a Roma Population with Diabetes—Considering Ethnic Disparities in Approaching Healthcare Management. Biomedicines (2024).
3. Cross-sectional comparison of health care delivery and reimbursement between segregated and nonsegregated communities in Hungary. Frontiers in Public Health (2024).
4. Roma Health: An Overview of Communicable Diseases in Eastern and Central Europe. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020).
5. Comparative risk assessment for the development of cardiovascular diseases in the Hungarian general and Roma population. Scientific Reports (2021).
6. The Roma Population Living in Segregated Settlements in Eastern Slovakia Has a Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, Kidney Disease, Viral Hepatitis B and E, and Some Parasitic Diseases Compared to the Majority Population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020).