IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 360: Health Differences between Roma and Non-Roma in the Slovak Dialyzed Population

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 360: Health Differences between Roma and Non-Roma in the Slovak Dialyzed Population

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15020360

Authors: Gabriel Kolvek Zuzana Straussova Maria Majernikova Jaroslav Rosenberger Jitse P. van Dijk

Background: Roma health has not been studied systematically. Thus far, it has been shown that Roma compared to non-Roma have a significantly higher likelihood of getting end-stage renal disease and that their chances for survival on dialysis are lower. Evidence is lacking regarding morbidity between Roma and non-Roma. The aim was to compare the health status of dialyzed Roma and non-Roma using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). All Slovak dialysis centers for adults were asked to fill in a questionaire with demographic and clinical data, including comorbidity. Cross-sectional analysis of 2082 patients with an average age of 63.8 ± 13.8 years was performed. Comorbidity was expressed as the CCI, and ethnic differences were calculated. Linear regression was performed to adjust for differences in gender and age in both ethnic groups. Roma represented 13.0% of the whole dialyzed population (n = 270). Comorbidity expressed as CCI was significantly lower in the Roma population (p < 0.001). After adjusting for gender and age, ethnicity failed to be associated with the CCI in the linear regression analysis (p = 0.965, variance of the model—adjusted R2 38.6%). The health status of dialyzed Slovak Roma does not differ cross-sectionally when adjusted for age and gender from the health status of dialyzed non-Roma.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2Fdt41o
via IFTTT