Born poor: early childhood development and health in marginalised Roma communities

This thesis regards research on early childhood disparities in health and development between marginalized Roma communities (MRCs) and the majority population in Slovakia. The research aims to identify the factors contributing to these disparities and propose interventions to address them.
Key findings reveal higher levels of chronic stress among mothers in MRCs, indicated by elevated hair cortisol concentrations (HCC). Socioeconomic factors play a mediating role in the relationship between MRC residence and maternal stress. Children from MRCs exhibit poorer mental health and psychomotor development compared to their majority population peers, with maternal HCC correlating with children's mental health.
The study highlights the negative impact of maternal stress on children's mental health, leading to harsher discipline practices. The latter partially mediates the negative impact, but the anticipated serial mediation was not fully supported.
Professionals identified 90 measures to support healthy early childhood development in MRCs, categorized into four clusters. Enhancing living conditions was prioritized as the most urgent need, while community interventions focusing on cultural capital transfer were deemed most feasible. However, financial and institutional barriers were identified, particularly for measures related to improving living conditions and access to basic infrastructure.
The research emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to reduce socioeconomic disadvantages, maternal stress, and promote positive parenting practices. Culturally appropriate programs and a multi-sectoral strategy for early childhood education and care are crucial to address these disadvantages effectively. This study calls for evidence-based policies and interventions to support the healthy development of children in MRCs.