Background and strategy draft of the preventive influences on the Roma minority for reducing obesity and overweight in the South Bohemian Region

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to define strategic resources and strategy design of preventive measures for the Roma minority in the South Bohemian Region to reduce obesity and overweight. Quantitative research was conducted via a controlled semi-structured interview concerning the eating behaviour of the respondents, their mental state, stress, self-reflection, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, socio-economic condition, primary prevention and the approach of medical professionals. The research sample included 600 respondents (302 from the Roma minority and 298 from the majority population). The sample of the Roma minority and the majority population can be considered representative in terms of gender. There were statistically significant differences between the respondents from the minority and the majority population. The lifestyle of the Roma minority can cause obesity and overweight, and consequently influence the health of individuals. These are differences in eating behaviour, including the composition of diet, physical activity, smoking, or the money spent on food for an adult family member per month. The results obtained in this representative research survey within the SWOT analysis, which represents the weaknesses of the life style of the Roma minority, laid the foundations of a strategy for preventive measures for the Roma minority, which aims to reduce the risk factors affecting obesity and overweight in the Roma minority living in the South Bohemian Region.