Psychosocial health of Roma communities experiencing poverty: A systematic review

Jóni Ledo; Henrique Pereira

doi:10.31211/rpics.2025.11.2.374

Authors

Jóni Ledo Universidade da Beira Interior https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1065-0184
Henrique Pereira Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Research Center in Sport Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9448-682X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2025.11.2.374

Keywords:

Mental health, Poverty, Psychosocial health, Roma communities, Stigma, Systematic review

Abstract

Background and Aim: Psychosocial health inequities among Roma communities experiencing poverty remain poorly synthesized. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and characterize psychosocial health outcomes and needs in these communities. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were searched (2011–2023) for peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies on psychosocial health among Roma individuals living in poverty. Eligibility criteria were defined using a modified PICO framework: Population = Roma communities in contexts of poverty; Intervention/exposure = diagnostic, preventive, or comparative psychosocial health assessments or interventions; Outcomes = indicators of mental health, well-being, stigma, discrimination, and psychosocial functioning. Methodological quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklists, and the certainty of the evidence was summarized according to the GRADE approach. Results: Eleven studies were included (five with exclusively Roma samples and six with mixed samples), comprising 13,222 Roma participants. Most studies used nonrandomized, cross-sectional, diagnostic or descriptive designs; only one was longitudinal with an intervention component. Approximately 90% of studies met ≥ 75% of the JBI criteria, and the overall certainty of the evidence on psychosocial health was predominantly moderate. Across studies, Roma participants consistently reported poorer psychosocial health than the majority-group participants and high levels of internalized and experienced stigma. Conclusions: Although limited, the available evidence consistently indicates a substantial burden of psychosocial health problems among Roma communities experiencing poverty, shaped by structural disadvantage and stigma. The scarcity of rigorous psychological research underscores the need for longitudinal, community-engaged studies and interventions informed by equity-oriented public policies. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023476860.

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