57 Health inequalities among Roma women in Bulgaria

Abstract EP2.3, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 4, 2025, 10:05 - 10:30 Background Women from ethnic minorities often experience serious health inequalities both in terms of their health status and access to quality health services. Aim To analyze the health inequalities (risk factors, health status and health services consumption) of Roma women in Bulgaria. Material and methods Community-based approach and a semi-structured face to face interview were applied in 2022. Adult citizens of Roma origin were covered as follows: residents of Knezha - a total of 59 people and households from the towns of Knezha and Kotel - 18 families (50 persons). The cities are representative of settlements of medium size with separate neighborhoods of Roma origin. Data processing was performed by SPSS v.24. Results Among women of Roma origin a higher relative proportion and prevalence of obesity, a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, and a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, which puts women at increased risk for socially significant diseases were found. A higher prevalence of obesity (χ2=6.440, df = 2, p < 0.05) and more than twice the relative proportion of women suffered from more than three diseases compared to men was observed. A significant effect of age i.e. diastolic blood pressure increased with increasing age (χ2=13.280, df = 4, p = 0.01), but no such effect was demonstrated for gender of the subjects (p > 0.05). Young Roma women are more likely to access preventive gynecological care than older women. Almost 60% of women do not use any contraceptives, which is more likely due to cultural norms than problems with access to services, and over 45% of women have not seen a gynecologist in the last year Conclusion The Roma women in Bulgaria is characterized by an unfavorable health profile and the health services provided are inadequate to their needs.