Self-reported prevalence and risk factors for NCD in a Roma community in Romania

Background Most of Romanian Roma communities are considered a vulnerable group, but there are limited data regarding the exposure and the prevalence of NCD specific for these communities. The research aims to assess the self-reported NCD prevalence and NCD risk factors among members of a rural Roma community. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a sample of 116 adults aged 18-85 years (52 male and 64 female), from a rural community with 800 Roma members. The study tools included questions to record NCD risk factors (WHO STEPwise approach) and self-reported data about the presence of chronic conditions. Descriptive statistics methods were used to analyse the data. Results Unhealthy diets (25% -95%CI, 17,7: 37,4), tobacco use (35,3% -95%CI, 27,0: 44,3), obesity and physical inactivity have been identified as the top NCD risk factors, with higher prevalence than ones reported for Romanian general population. Overall, the self-reported prevalence of chronic diseases in the sample was 56,8%, (95%CI, 47.8:95.9), no significant difference between men and women. 62% (95%CI, 50.4:73,8) of respondents with self-reported disease have declared co-morbidities. The most prevalent disease reported was hypertension (37.0% - CI95%, 28.2: 45.8), followed by dyslipidaemia (23,2% -CI95%,15,5:30.9), diabetes type 2, gastritis and ischemic heart disease (IHD). One quarter of respondents with HTA are daily smokers and more than half have obesity and dyslipidaemia. Conclusions This analysis provides information that NCD risk factors and self-reported NCD prevalence in a typical rural Roma community are higher than in the majority population of Romania. Both prevalences should be known in order to increase access to prevention, diagnostic and treatment programs. Key messages The health system should monitor NCDs and risk factors and implement equitable public health policies to address health inequities and meet the needs of Roma population groups. The high prevalence of risk factors for NCD in this rural Roma community indicates the likelihood of a high future burden of illness.