Unmet health-care needs among Jordanian Roma with chronic diseases

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the reasons for unmet health-care needs and related barriers among the Roma population with chronic diseases in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey with a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving a sample of 347 Jordanian Roma participants. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire based on the Canadian Community Health Survey.

Findings

The analysis revealed that within the three categories of reasons for unmet health-care needs (accessibility, availability and acceptability), “Transportation issues” under the accessibility category constitute the most reported reasons: (mean = 90.4%, SD = 22.6%), followed by “Cost” (mean = 89.0%, SD = 26.2%) and “Care not available in the area” (mean = 85.8%, SD = 23.6%). Predictors of unmet health-care needs were being married, having health insurance and self-perception of mental health (OR = 0.215, p = 0.044), (OR = 0.391, p = 0.008) and (OR = 0.302, p = 0.002) respectively.

Originality/value

Unmet health-care needs are highly prevalent among Jordanian Roma, rendering them a vulnerable group susceptible to other diseases. To address this pressing issue, concerted and comprehensive efforts should be made to improve the utilization and accessibility of health-care services within this community. Furthermore, efforts should be made to elevate their social standing and status. facilitate their integration into the broader community.

Citation

Abu Sumaqa, Y., Abu-Abbas, M., Khraisat, O., Rayan, A. and Abudari, M.O. (2024), "Unmet health-care needs among Jordanian Roma with chronic diseases", Working with Older People, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-02-2024-0007