Page 101 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 101
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-167-4.101-112
The influence of Roma women’s education
regarding their reproductive health
on the health of their children
Marjeta Logar Čuček
Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
marjetalogar@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: The influence of education regarding their reproductive
health on Roma women - women with a unique way of life in special
community conditions - on the health of their children has been little
researched in Slovenia. The objective of the research was to analyse
the perceived consequences of health education intervention on the
awareness of Roma women regarding their reproductive health and
consequently on the health of Roma children. Methods: Qualitative
research approach was used. In July and August 2015 three focus groups
were created; 11 health professionals, who deal with the reproductive
health of Roma women and the health of children, participated. Results:
10 categories were identified, in which 147 codes with a total frequency
of 187 were identified. They were grouped under 4 topics. These are: (1)
General education of Roma women and their knowledge in the field of
reproductive health. (2) The benefits of a health education leaflet and
this research. (3) Care for reproductive health and children’s health. (4)
Medical problems and doctor’s appointments. Discussion and conclusion:
Opportunities for progress in Roma women’s reproductive health care
lie in raising their awareness of the possibilities of access to reproductive
services, the treatment offered by health services, and their inclusion in
health education programs. Roma women’s lack of general education
is closely linked to their rejection of reproductive health education.
Education must be adapted to their understanding, using pictorial
material and straightforward messages. Furthermore, using a great deal
of empathy and time considerations, they can be encouraged by visits
or organization of lectures in their home environment. Roma women
do not possess enough knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth,
which is also due to the fact that reproductive health care knowledge is
no longer passed down from generation to generation as it used to be.
However, there has been some progress in the care of infants, especially
The influence of Roma women’s education
regarding their reproductive health
on the health of their children
Marjeta Logar Čuček
Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
marjetalogar@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: The influence of education regarding their reproductive
health on Roma women - women with a unique way of life in special
community conditions - on the health of their children has been little
researched in Slovenia. The objective of the research was to analyse
the perceived consequences of health education intervention on the
awareness of Roma women regarding their reproductive health and
consequently on the health of Roma children. Methods: Qualitative
research approach was used. In July and August 2015 three focus groups
were created; 11 health professionals, who deal with the reproductive
health of Roma women and the health of children, participated. Results:
10 categories were identified, in which 147 codes with a total frequency
of 187 were identified. They were grouped under 4 topics. These are: (1)
General education of Roma women and their knowledge in the field of
reproductive health. (2) The benefits of a health education leaflet and
this research. (3) Care for reproductive health and children’s health. (4)
Medical problems and doctor’s appointments. Discussion and conclusion:
Opportunities for progress in Roma women’s reproductive health care
lie in raising their awareness of the possibilities of access to reproductive
services, the treatment offered by health services, and their inclusion in
health education programs. Roma women’s lack of general education
is closely linked to their rejection of reproductive health education.
Education must be adapted to their understanding, using pictorial
material and straightforward messages. Furthermore, using a great deal
of empathy and time considerations, they can be encouraged by visits
or organization of lectures in their home environment. Roma women
do not possess enough knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth,
which is also due to the fact that reproductive health care knowledge is
no longer passed down from generation to generation as it used to be.
However, there has been some progress in the care of infants, especially
