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Experiences of Alcohol Use and Harm among Travellers, Roma, and Gypsies: A Participatory Qualitative Study
,
Denise Barry,
Jolana Curejova,
Donna Leeanne Morgan,
Sam Worrall,
Filiz Celik,
Menna Price
Health & Social Care in the Community, Volume: 2024, Issue: 1, Pages: 1 - 10
Swansea University Authors:
Louise Condon, Filiz Celik, Menna Price
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© 2024 Louise Condon et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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DOI (Published version): 10.1155/2024/9020329
Abstract
Alcohol is widely used in many cultures as part of everyday life and for special occasions. It is a leading cause of preventable death in the UK, with higher rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Gypsies and Travellers are ethnic and cultural minorities who experience extreme social di...
| Published in: | Health & Social Care in the Community |
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| ISSN: | 0966-0410 1365-2524 |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2024
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67059 |
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| Abstract: |
Alcohol is widely used in many cultures as part of everyday life and for special occasions. It is a leading cause of preventable death in the UK, with higher rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Gypsies and Travellers are ethnic and cultural minorities who experience extreme social disadvantage but there is a lack of knowledge about their alcohol use. The study aim was to explore experiences of alcohol use and harm in these distinct groups. Taking a participatory research approach, peer researchers conducted semistructured interviews (n = 26) to explore experiences of alcohol use and harm within the following four Gypsy/Traveller communities: Irish Travellers, Boaters, Gypsies, and Slovakian Roma. Vignettes were used as a basis for interview questions. Data were analysed thematically following the framework model. Alcohol consumption was found to be fundamental to celebration in all groups and integrated within social norms. Among Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Roma, drinking was associated with masculinity and despite an increase in alcohol use among women, female drinking remains highly socially regulated. Gypsies and Irish Travellers reported being illegally excluded from public drinking venues, while Slovakian Roma experienced less discrimination towards their ethnic group in the UK. Knowledge of the risks of alcohol dependence was high in all groups, but there was little awareness of the health impact of regular heavy drinking. Shame was a barrier to help-seeking for Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller men and women, while Boaters’ nomadism reduced access to both primary care and alcohol treatment services. These distinct ethnic and cultural groups are aware of the health and social risks of alcohol use but experience barriers to accessing healthcare. Each community has different needs in relation to prevention of alcohol dependence, highlighting the need for targeted health promotion to accompany national strategies to reduce alcohol harm. |
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| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
Alcohol Change UK; Joint Information Systems Committee |
| Issue: |
1 |
| Start Page: |
1 |
| End Page: |
10 |