[What are Gypsies like and what do they suffer from?].
OBJECTIVE
To find and compare the social and demographic features and health status of two different ethnic and cultural groups, gypsies and payos (non-gypsies).


METHODS
Observational, descriptive, crossover study.


METHODS
Primary care.


METHODS
The 121 gypsy patients > 14 registered at the centre and 121 controls who were matched for age.


METHODS
Social and demographic variables, risk factors, chronic illnesses and involvement in preventive and health promotion programmes were gathered.


RESULTS
On the basis of a questionnaire that was filled out with data from the primary care health histories, we saw that there were significant differences in educational background, jobs and work situation (p < 0.0005). Among the gypsies there were more alcohol consumers, intravenous drug users and patients at social-health risk. Hb, Hc and HIV affected gypsies significantly more (the two groups were included in preventive programmes and activities). Mean age of death among gypsies was early (40.6 years vs. 73). Paradoxically, gypsies used private medicine more.


CONCLUSIONS
There were significant social-health differences between the two groups studied. The gypsies on our health centre lists need greater care from the primary care team, so that they can achieve better health status.
Centro de Salud El Barranquet, Castellón.
V R
VR
Cabedo García
E
E
Ortells i Ros
L
L
Baquero Toledo
N
N
Bosch Girona
A
A
Montero Royo
A
A
Nácher Fernández
B
B
Sánchez-Peral Sánchez
M A
MA
Tamborero Sanjuán
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D006178:Romani People; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain