Sociodemographic characterization and access to health services in the gypsy community of barcelos, portugal
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Public Health Unit, ACES Cávado III Barcelos/Esposende, Braga, Portugal Portugal
Publication date: 2023-04-26
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A851
ABSTRACT
The Gypsy Community in Portugal is characterized by deficient standards of living, especially in terms of health. This work aims at a sociodemographic and access to health characterization of the Gypsy Community covered by the Grouping of Health Centers (ACES) of Cávado III – Barcelos/Esposende in Portugal so that with their greater knowledge it is possible to diagnose the situation and consequent intervention regarding their health needs. This descriptive observational study is based on clinical records (secondary data) consulted during the period January-March, 2022. The results obtained regarding the sociodemographic characterization Gypsy Community (n=237) demonstrate the existence of an extremely young population (average age=26.9 years) in a group of 56 households, a large part of which (71%) reside in the same parish, in Barqueiros. Regarding access to primary health care, 97% of this Gypsy Community have a family doctor and 81% had at least one consultation with their doctor in the last 2 years. The main chronic diseases identified are hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in the Gypsy Community is 11% and the prevalence of obesity and overweight is 30%. Regarding access to the emergency service in the period 2019-2022, 8 and 4% of this population used the ER at least 5 and 10 times, respectively. With regard to compliance with the National Vaccination Program (PNV), 30% of this population fails to comply with the PNV. It is essential to improve living and housing conditions and eradicate health inequalities presented by minority groups, including Gypsy Communities. This objective must be included in the priorities and agenda of the National Health Program (PNS), at the national level, and in the Diagnostics of the Situation at the local level.