Health, attitude to care and pattern of attendance among gypsy women - a general practice perspective

Background. There is a lack of knowledge about health and attitude to care among gypsies. Objectives. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for and patter ns of attendance among gypsy women in primary health care and to shed light on health problems of gypsies. Methods. Four gypsy women, frequently attending a primary health care centr e, were interviewed in depth. Data were analysed according to grounded theo ry. Additional facts were received from record files. Results and Conclusions. The gypsy women seldom approached the health centr e alone but paid a visit together with relatives or friends. The women usua lly presented the same type of symptoms, often pain, headache and depressio n, and obtained the same type of diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms had an acute character and the women wanted immediate access. A collective patt ern, a hierarchical order and a strict rule system characterized the gypsy life and coloured the relation to health and illness. Young women were espe cially vulnerable and could easily end up outside the collective and displa y symptoms.