Abstract
BackgroundFoot health of the Roma population is a challenge for the health professionals where this minority is significant, as is the case in Spain. At present, little is known about foot health of the Roma population and their knowledge would promote the training of these professionals at the community level. Foot pain is common and a reason for consulting podiatry services. The purpose of this study was to determine foot health among the Roma population according to the Foot Health Status Questionnaire.MethodAn observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted at the Roma population living in Spain in 2018. Self-reported data and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were recorded. Examining the general health and foot health (foot pain, foot function, footwear and general health) and general (general health, social capacity, physical activity and vigour). This questionnaire is recommended as a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome. The obtained scores were compared.ResultsA sample made up of 624 men and women from the Roma population took part in this study. 45% were Roma men and 55% Roma women. In the first section of the FHSQ, a lower score of values was recorded in the footwear domain (62.5) and in the general foot health domain (60). Gypsy women obtained lower scores in all the domains. In the second section, lower scores were obtained in the vigour (56) domain and in the general health (60) domain. A large effect size (r-Rosenthal) was found by gender in the footwear domain (0.334) and in the vigour domain (0.195). Roma women showed higher values in cardiac disorders, serious illnesses, doctor visits and foot problems. 67.8% reported that they had never been assisted by a podiatrist.ConclusionsThe studied Roma population has foot health problems, and these are more pronounced among women. They show lower values in the footwear and vigour domains. More professional training is required for health workers in this field to avoid cultural diversity stereotypes.
Highlights
Foot health of the Roma population is a challenge for the health professionals where this minority is significant, as is the case in Spain
In the first section of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), a lower score of values was recorded in the footwear domain (62.5) and in the general foot health domain (60)
The studied Roma population has foot health problems, and these are more pronounced among women
Summary
Foot health of the Roma population is a challenge for the health professionals where this minority is significant, as is the case in Spain. Some authors point out that the absence of evidence on the health of the Roma population should not be equated with evidence on the absence of health inequalities [9]. According to this background, both in Spain and in Europe (Romania, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Slovakia), among the Roma community, Roma women are the main ones affected by gender inequalities [4]. While Roma people report very poor health at a high percentage, they really show a similar proportion of very good health [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
