Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41039520›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Barriers to primary health care: perspectives of marginalized Roma women and healthcare professionals.

Jana Marosnikova Plavnicka, Zuzana Dankulincova Veselska, Daniela Filakovska Bobakova

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Jana Marosnikova PlavnickaDepartment of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Trieda SNP 1, Kosice, 040 01, Slovak Republic. jana.plavnicka@upjs.sk.
Zuzana Dankulincova VeselskaDepartment of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Trieda SNP 1, Kosice, 040 01, Slovak Republic.
Daniela Filakovska BobakovaDepartment of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Trieda SNP 1, Kosice, 040 01, Slovak Republic.

Funding

Horizon 2020 Framework Programme 964353
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMarginalized Roma communities (MRCs) in Slovakia experience longstanding exclusion from essential services, including healthcare. Roma women, in particular, face compounded vulnerabilities that contribute to unequal access and poorer health outcomes. Despite increasing attention to these issues, a deeper understanding of the lived experiences that shape healthcare access in MRCs remains necessary.

methodsA qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 13 Roma mothers living in MRCs and 13 professionals working in healthcare, public health, or policy, including six of Roma origin. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis to identify significant access barriers.

resultsRoma women face multiple, often interconnected barriers to accessing healthcare, many of which are rooted in longstanding structural inequalities. These include distrust of the health system stemming from prior discrimination, difficulties in understanding health-related information and navigating the system, and financial hardship. On the side of healthcare providers, barriers involve shortages in the healthcare workforce, poor care coordination, and discriminatory attitudes.

conclusionsImproving access to healthcare for Roma women requires a comprehensive, multi-level strategy. Efforts should focus on building trust, improving communication, addressing financial and systemic obstacles, and investing in culturally sensitive primary care. Health promotion assistants play a crucial role in bridging the gaps between communities and healthcare providers. Culturally sensitive healthcare interventions and inclusive policies are essential to reducing health disparities and promoting equitable access.

Indexed as

Health PersonnelHealth Services AccessibilityPrimary Health CareRomani PeopleSocial MarginalizationAccess to Primary CareAdultFemaleHealthcare DisparitiesHumansInterviews as TopicQualitative ResearchSlovakiaSocioeconomic Disparities in HealthDiscriminationFinancial vulnerabilityHealthcare accessHealthcare workforceHealth literacyMarginalized Roma communitiesResponsiveness of healthcare systemRoma women

Identifiers

PMID41039520
PMCPMC12492820

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.