Drugs and Mental Health Problems among the Roma: Protective Factors Promoted by the Iglesia Evangélica Filadelfia

Jelen López,Teresa Martí,Ramón García

doi:10.3390/ijerph15020335

Abstract

Background: High incidences of drug consumption and mental health problems are found among the Roma population in Spain, a reality that remains understudied. Past studies have indicated the positive role played by the Iglesia Evangélica Filadelfia (IEF) in promoting rehabilitation and prevention of these practices. Objective: In this article, authors analyze in which ways the IEF favors processes of drug rehabilitation and mental health recovery as well as the prevention of these problems among its Roma members. Methods: A communicative qualitative approach was developed. It was communicative because new knowledge was created by dialogically contrasting the existing state of the art with study participants. It was qualitative because everyday life stories were collected, gathering the experiences, perceptions and interpretations of Roma people who are actively involved in three different IEF churches based in Barcelona. Results: This article identifies these protective factors: anti-drug discourse, a supportive environment, new social relations, role model status, the promotion of interactions, the revaluation of oneself, spiritual activities and the improvement of the feeling of belonging and the creation of meaning. Conclusion: The present research contributes new evidence to the current understanding of the role played by the IEF in improving Roma health status and how the identified protective factors can contribute to rehabilitation and recovery from such problems in other contexts.

Highlights

High levels of drug consumption and mental health problems are reported among the Roma population in Spain [1]
It was communicative because new knowledge was created by dialogically contrasting the existing state of the art with study participants. It was qualitative because everyday life stories were collected, gathering the experiences, perceptions and interpretations of Roma people who are actively involved in three different Iglesia Evangélica Filadelfia (IEF) churches based in Barcelona
There is still a long way to go to fully flesh out the crucial role played by the IEF within the Roma community in Spain

Summary

Introduction

High levels of drug consumption and mental health problems are reported among the Roma population in Spain [1]. While there is a relative wealth of data showing higher incidence of chronic diseases, infant mortality, less healthy lifestyles (which are related to nutrition problems, a greater number of accidents and the lack of access to health resources and preventive measures) [5,6,7], there is scarce research shedding light on strategies, factors or transformative dynamics signaling how to improve the Roma health status. In this context, the increasing importance of the Iglesia Evangélica Filadelfia (IEF) and, more its Pentecostal denomination, cannot be ignored. Conclusion: The present research contributes new evidence to the current understanding of the role played by the IEF in improving Roma health status and how the identified protective factors can contribute to rehabilitation and recovery from such problems in other contexts

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion