Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Experiences of Alcohol Use and Harm among Travellers, Roma, and Gypsies: A Participatory Qualitative Study

Condon, Louise; Hargreaves, Suzy C.; Barry, Denise; Curejova, Jolana; Morgan, Donna Leeanne; Worrall, Sam; Celik, Filiz; Price, Menna

Experiences of Alcohol Use and Harm among Travellers, Roma, and Gypsies: A Participatory Qualitative Study Thumbnail


Authors

Louise Condon

Suzy C. Hargreaves

Denise Barry

Jolana Curejova

Donna Leeanne Morgan

Sam Worrall

Filiz Celik

Menna Price



Contributors

Kumari Shweta Kalyani
Other

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.

Citation

Condon, L., Hargreaves, S. C., Barry, D., Curejova, J., Morgan, D. L., Worrall, S., …Price, M. (2024). Experiences of Alcohol Use and Harm among Travellers, Roma, and Gypsies: A Participatory Qualitative Study. Health and Social Care in the Community, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9020329

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 3, 2024
Publication Date May 25, 2024
Deposit Date Jun 10, 2024
Publicly Available Date Jun 10, 2024
Journal Health & Social Care in the Community
Print ISSN 0966-0410
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 2024
DOI https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9020329

Files





Downloadable Citations