Health and health care among travellers

J Soc Policy. 1988 Apr;17(2):195-213. doi: 10.1017/s0047279400016639.

Abstract

Travellers, or Gypsies, constitute a minority group with its own culture and traditions for whom access to health care can pose problems. A study of Traveller women and children showed that the sites where they lived were often lacking in facilities and provided a poor environment in terms of cleanliness and safety. Perinatal mortality was above average, and was especially high on sites with inadequate facilities and among the more mobile families. Immunisation and preventive care of children were both inadequate, especially among the more mobile. There continues to be a need for more, and better, permanent sites for Travellers. Other responses include allowing Traveller families to carry their own medical records, providing mobile clinics for Gypsy sites, and appointing specialist health visitors to ensure that Travellers get the heath care to which they are entitled.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Ethnicity*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Health Services Research*
  • Health Services, Indigenous*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Population Dynamics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Roma*
  • United Kingdom