The study shows that members of the travelling community are disproportionately affected by certain diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis compared to the rest of the population, reports RTE.
A range review by researchers at Trinity College Dublin indicates that there is a significant discrepancy between the health of Travelers and that of the general population in Ireland.
Lead researcher Dr. Julie Broderick, head of the physiotherapy discipline at the TCD School of Medicine, found that among travellers, the incidence of respiratory and heart disease is two to three times higher.
The review brings together for the first time all available evidence from published reports and peer-reviewed journals on the physical health of Irish travellers up to 4 April 2023, reports RTE.
The study also found that travellers under the age of 65 are more likely to report “international injuries” and lower “unintentional injuries” than the general population.
Passengers over the age of 65 had a higher rate of injury.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr Broderick said that suicide rates among travellers are six times higher than the general population.
She said the review showed that “providers of care for Travellers should be aware of the unique and disproportionate burden of physical health conditions experienced by this group,” reports RTE.
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