Health Assets and Perceptions of Well-Beingof Roma in Northern Alicante (Spain)

Abstract

Background: Roma Populations. The Roma are the largest and most marginalized minority in Europe, with an estimated 10-12 million Roma dispersed throughout the continent. Roma populations persistently experience worse health outcomes, living conditions, and access to care than majority populations. Spanish Roma are no exception and experience worse health outcomes than Spanish majority populations. This inequality is pronounced for Roma women, whom have a worse health profile, less healthy lifestyles, and underuse health-care resources compared to Spanish non-Roma women. Health Assets. A health asset can be defined as any factor that enhances the ability to maintain and sustain health and well-being and helps to reduce health inequities. These assets can operate across multiple levels (individual, community, society, etc.) and serve to protect against life’s stressors. Aim. To explore through a qualitative analysis perspectives of well-being of the Roma in the Northern neighborhoods of Alicante, Spain through the identification of health assets in their environment.