CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROMA POPULATION AND THEIR RELATION TO THE HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN FROM THIS ETHNIC COMMUNITY

The cultural and ethnic characteristics of families are an important part of raising and nurturing health culture and behaviour in children. The low educational status, poor living conditions, poverty, stereotypes of behavior in large families, and imposed influences in the Roma community are prerequisites for the presence of risk factors for the health status of Roma children and create difficulties in the care by health professionals. The aim of this study is to analyze the cultural characteristics of the Roma ethnic group and their relation to the health status of children from this ethnic group in Bulgaria. Material and methods: documentary method. Literature analysis. Conclusions: Roma children live in poor living conditions, which puts them at risk of developing diseases. Insufficient parental education is a factor determining the health status of Roma children. Cultural features of the environment and family significantly influence the health culture of Roma children.