Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the health and social problems and related behaviors of the Roma population by using the Omaha System. The data were collected from 650 Roma individuals. This study was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis and the data were collected in two stages. First, the "Technical Assistance for Promoting Social Inclusion in Densely Roman Populated Areas Project (SIROMA)" Act team evaluated health problems among Roma individuals. Second, data were reanalyzed using the Omaha System. When sociodemographic and economic characteristics were evaluated, low education level, adolescent marriages, a high number of live births, soiled living areas, unemployment, and substance use were found in the Roma population. In this context, using the Omaha System, the frequently diagnosed health and social problems were Sanitation (13.5%), Healthcare supervision (11.8%), Nutrition (11.0%), Income (9.8%), Respiration (8.3%), Substance use (7.3%), and Neighborhood/workplace safety (6.0%). This study results found out that the Roma population is less prone than natives to have healthy lifestyle behaviors and more prone to experience a deterioration in both their general and mental health. The Omaha System is a valid method used to collect and analyze data for a vulnerable population in the community. Also, it has been proven that the Omaha System Problem Classification Scheme can provide a more detailed and comprehensive assessment.