The Meaning of Health, Well-Being, and Quality of Life Perceived by Roma People in West Sweden

Many Roma people in Sweden are on the margins of society and face problems of social exclusion, institutional discrimination, low education, unemployment, and poor health. The aim is to describe how a group of Roma people, in West Sweden, understand health, well-being, and quality of life within the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Åsa Andersson, Kristine Crondahl, Leena Eklund Karlsson, Fredrik Sunnemark
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2013-06-01
Series:Societies
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/3/2/243
Description
Summary:Many Roma people in Sweden are on the margins of society and face problems of social exclusion, institutional discrimination, low education, unemployment, and poor health. The aim is to describe how a group of Roma people, in West Sweden, understand health, well-being, and quality of life within the Roma context, and how they cope with their life-situation. Data consisted of qualitative interviews. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. The respondents mainly understood the concept of Health as “being healthy” and “feeling good”. Elements that were crucial part of the respondents’ health perception were being employed, having an education, social support from family and friends, freedom and security, and the extent of involvement in society. The results indicate that the respondents perceive their health and life situation as good, despite of their marginalized situation and discrimination.
ISSN:2075-4698