End-of-life suffering in a personal, family and social context in Rroma communities in Romania. A qualitative approach

Abstract

Abstract. The Rroma population represents the largest minority population in Romania. Published research so far regarding healthcare needs and cultural particularities of this population are scarce and lack continuity. This increases the risk of cultural insensitivi ty when healthcare is provided to patients who belong to this ethnic minority. At the end of life, psychological and spiritual suffering of the Rroma is polymorphic, and identifying the factors that generate this suffering, linked to the beliefs, tradition s and Romani culture, is essential in order to insure optimal support at the end of life to the Rroma patients.