The Roma Wellbeing Study ROOSA is a study of the Finnish Roma population. The aim of the study is to improve wellbeing, inclusion, health and functional ability of the Finnish Roma.
The study produces knowledge for the implementation of the Roma policies. The National Institute for Health and Welfare conducted the Roma study as a part of the Nevo Tiija (New Era) project, coordinated by the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, funded by the European Social Fund.
Finnish Roma is a cultural minority which is an inseparable part of the multicultural Finland. Lack of permanent housing, weak educational and employment opportunities and structural discrimination have affected the position and life of the Finnish Roma until recently.
The Finnish Roma improve their rights, wellbeing and inclusion purposefully through associations and advisory boards.
Roma Wellbeing Study has been planned and conducted in cooperating with the Finnish Roma. They took part in the implementation of the study as participants, as employees and as experts who planned and modified the contents of the study together with the research group. The data was collected in different areas of Finland.
From the total 365 participants 142 were men and 223 were women. The study included a health examination and a structured interview or a questionnaire.
The results showed that the participants had several strengths which promote inclusion in society. These strengths include community support such as substantial economical and psychological help between the next of kin, as well as supporting each other in practical matters.
Another strength was active participation in church and association activities. Key challenges were difficulties in earning livelihood, which may weaken quality of life. On the other hand, the participants of the Roma study were satisfied with their social relationships.
Key challenges in health and wellbeing were difficulties in physical functional ability among women as well as the high prevalence of self-reported chronic diseases and their risk factors.
Both women and men had several negative health behaviors, such as lack of physical exercise and high prevalence of smoking. Experiences of discrimination were also prevalent.
The results of this study can be utilized by professionals in different fields when they encounter Roma persons as their customers. The results enable to identify key strengths and challenges in health and wellbeing.
The Roma are in a vulnerable position until e.g. the rise of their educational level may also be seen in positive trends in the indicators of health and well-being. The challenges identified in this study need to be monitored and the Roma must be taken into account in future social and healthcare reforms, so that the equity of the Roma as well as other minorities will be realized.
The Roma Wellbeing Study has given a good basis to continue this positive development.
