NR222
Romanian Women’s Health
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR222-63687
Romanian Women’s Health
As a woman, it's important to get examinations yearly in order to prevent or even get an
early diagnosis. A yearly examination is something that the World Health Organization highly
promotes. Health promotion includes self-responsibility, and the main objective is health
promotion and disease prevention. In particular, Romani culture has a different view of health
promotion including gynecological, reproductive and maternal care and is culturally shamed
upon to do routine check ups and prenatal care. Having the proper training as a nurse is
important, as nurses have to respect their culture and beliefs but also promote the overall health
of Romanian women. As we progress, we will be discussing women’s health in the Romanian
culture and some common diseases amongst Romanian women.
Target Population
In the Romani culture, there is a clear deficit of the health promotion of the instrumental
factors such as gynecological, sexual, reproductive, and maternal care that are relevant to these
women. The women of Roma are reported to be the largest minority group in Europe. Culturally,
these women do not often seek gynecological health care from youth through late adulthood, as it
is shamed upon. If care is ever to be sought, it is in the case of dire need. These women are
affected due to the lack of health care. “A study in Bulgaria found that 59% of interviewed Roma
women did not use any contraceptive method. 52% of Roma women stated they had an abortion,
with the highest percentage among 18–23-year-olds. Around 25% of the women who had
abortions had more than three” (Krumova and Ilieva, 2008). This is indicative of the lack of
education about contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases and infections, and pregnancy. The
, report released by Vakeras Zorales – Speaking Out:Roma Women’s Experiencesin Reproductive
Health Care in Slovakiadocuments personal stories of 38 Roma women from marginalized
communities who reported suffering discrimination and abuse in reproductive and maternal
health care facilities in eastern Slovakia” (Reproductive Rights, n.d.). This foreshadows the
reasoning behind the lack of health promotion projects for these people. In accordance with
Healthy People 2020, “Reproductive and sexual health is a key component to the overall health
and quality of life for both men and women. Improving reproductive and sexual health is crucial
to eliminating health disparities, reducing rates of infectious diseases and infertility, and
increasing educational attainment, and financial stability” (Healthy People, 2020).
Summary of Articles
Romanian women face disparities in the healthcare system, they may have certain beliefs
that prevent them from going to the hospital or they may be too prideful to get the medical
service they need (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). They believe that going to the hospital for something
as simple as an examination will turn into doctors finding something wrong with your health.
The Romanian women also complained that health care providers, “Do not care what I really
need" in terms of medications and treatment (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). This statement just
reiterates the main belief in not trusting the system. Women of the Romanian culture were asked
in a study about pelvic exams done by a male doctor, the majority stated “they had strong
reservations about being examined by a male doctor” (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). This study also
showed that 55% of Romanian women who are pregnant do not see their gynecologist during
pregnancy. They also give birth at home because they see it as something that is natural. To avoid
going to the hospital the Romanian women will try natural remedies that have been passed down
their culture for centuries. For example, a remedy that they use when they are experiencing a
headache is “Peel onion, place it in a scarf and tie around forehead; if top of head: heat a tile,
Romanian Women’s Health
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR222-63687
Romanian Women’s Health
As a woman, it's important to get examinations yearly in order to prevent or even get an
early diagnosis. A yearly examination is something that the World Health Organization highly
promotes. Health promotion includes self-responsibility, and the main objective is health
promotion and disease prevention. In particular, Romani culture has a different view of health
promotion including gynecological, reproductive and maternal care and is culturally shamed
upon to do routine check ups and prenatal care. Having the proper training as a nurse is
important, as nurses have to respect their culture and beliefs but also promote the overall health
of Romanian women. As we progress, we will be discussing women’s health in the Romanian
culture and some common diseases amongst Romanian women.
Target Population
In the Romani culture, there is a clear deficit of the health promotion of the instrumental
factors such as gynecological, sexual, reproductive, and maternal care that are relevant to these
women. The women of Roma are reported to be the largest minority group in Europe. Culturally,
these women do not often seek gynecological health care from youth through late adulthood, as it
is shamed upon. If care is ever to be sought, it is in the case of dire need. These women are
affected due to the lack of health care. “A study in Bulgaria found that 59% of interviewed Roma
women did not use any contraceptive method. 52% of Roma women stated they had an abortion,
with the highest percentage among 18–23-year-olds. Around 25% of the women who had
abortions had more than three” (Krumova and Ilieva, 2008). This is indicative of the lack of
education about contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases and infections, and pregnancy. The
, report released by Vakeras Zorales – Speaking Out:Roma Women’s Experiencesin Reproductive
Health Care in Slovakiadocuments personal stories of 38 Roma women from marginalized
communities who reported suffering discrimination and abuse in reproductive and maternal
health care facilities in eastern Slovakia” (Reproductive Rights, n.d.). This foreshadows the
reasoning behind the lack of health promotion projects for these people. In accordance with
Healthy People 2020, “Reproductive and sexual health is a key component to the overall health
and quality of life for both men and women. Improving reproductive and sexual health is crucial
to eliminating health disparities, reducing rates of infectious diseases and infertility, and
increasing educational attainment, and financial stability” (Healthy People, 2020).
Summary of Articles
Romanian women face disparities in the healthcare system, they may have certain beliefs
that prevent them from going to the hospital or they may be too prideful to get the medical
service they need (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). They believe that going to the hospital for something
as simple as an examination will turn into doctors finding something wrong with your health.
The Romanian women also complained that health care providers, “Do not care what I really
need" in terms of medications and treatment (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). This statement just
reiterates the main belief in not trusting the system. Women of the Romanian culture were asked
in a study about pelvic exams done by a male doctor, the majority stated “they had strong
reservations about being examined by a male doctor” (Coe & Čvorović, 2017). This study also
showed that 55% of Romanian women who are pregnant do not see their gynecologist during
pregnancy. They also give birth at home because they see it as something that is natural. To avoid
going to the hospital the Romanian women will try natural remedies that have been passed down
their culture for centuries. For example, a remedy that they use when they are experiencing a
headache is “Peel onion, place it in a scarf and tie around forehead; if top of head: heat a tile,
