Mental illness and suicidality among Roma and traveller communities in the UK, Ireland, and other countries: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Romas and Irish Travellers are two distinct, traditionally nomadic ethnicities of people who experience lower socioeconomic position and social exclusion. This occurs within the context of long-term attempts to maintain their traditional culture. They are known to have significantly worse health outcomes than the general population. This systematic review identified and appraised the existing literature on the mental health status of Romas and Travellers, as well as suicidality in these communities. It aimed to determine how their mental health status compares to that of the general population and propose mechanisms for any differences observed.

Methods

All databases on OVID were searched using three search strings for relevant articles, which were then manually screened to ensure that they were relevant. All studies included were assessed for quality standards.

Results

The evidence shows that Romas/Travellers have a far higher prevalence of mental health problems than the general population. The most recent evidence suggests Romas/Travellers have a higher rate of suicide compared to any other ethnicity in the UK. A range of factors were associated with this disparity, including socioeconomic deprivation (issues with housing, education/employment, and discrimination), poor physical health, and barriers to accessing healthcare. Women faced worse mental health outcomes, possibly due to enforced gender roles, early marriage, and domestic violence.

Conclusions

Romas/Travellers face higher rates of mental illness and suicidality, which is largely multifactorial in nature. Significant stigma around mental health and suicide still exists in these communities, making it difficult for affected individuals to seek help. Community-based, targeted interventions are urgently needed to alleviate the harmful impacts of poor mental health and suicide on these communities.