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You are > Home > Traveller Census commences
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
Traveller Census commences
A MAJOR study is underway to examine the health status of all Travellers on the island of Ireland.
The study includes a census and health questionnaire and members of Wexford’s travelling community have been urged to take part.
Of particular concern to researchers is the persistence of high mortality rates among the travelling community, explained Liam Keane, HSE South Co-ordinator for Traveller Health Services.
“The Health Research Board Study in 1987 highlighted a number of issues of concern in relation to the overall health status of the Traveller population.
Of particular concern is the Study’s finding that Travellers of all ages have much higher mortality rates than people in the general population, with Traveller men living on average 10 years less than men in the general population and Traveller women living on average 12 years less than their peers. We look forward to further focus on these issues, when this present process is completed.”
The study will take place between October 14 and the end of November 2008. As well as counting the number of Travellers, Travellers will also be asked about their health and their family’s health. Participation is voluntary and the information is strictly confidential, but the support and understanding of the Traveller community is very important for the success of the study.
The information will be collected by Travellers Community Health Workers from the HSE, participants of Traveller Primary Health Care Projects funded by HSE and other trained Travellers.
Some Traveller women, who are expecting a baby, will be asked by the Public Health Nurses to take part in a study of the children born in the coming year. This is to see how they are getting along and identify health issues which may need to be addressed.
“Traveller health is a priority area. The purpose of the study is to examine the health status of Travellers, to assess the impact of the health services currently being provided and to identify factors which influence health status. The results of the study will provide a framework for policy development and practice in relation to Traveller health,” continued Mr Keane.
The study is being coordinated by Prof Cecily Kelleher of the School of Public Health and Population Science in University College Dublinhaving been jointly commissioned by the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland.
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