Summary: Background: Roma women in Bulgaria continue to face systemic barriers in accessing prenatal and postnatal care. Socio-economic difficulties, cultural specificities, and discriminatory attitudes in the healthcare system affect the quality of maternal and child health.
Objective: To examine the cultural characteristics and challenges related to prenatal behavior and care for children aged 0 to 1 year among mothers of Roma origin.
Method: Eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with Roma mothers from different locations (the town of Dulgopol and neighborhoods in Varna). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Mothers demonstrate high motivation to care for their children, regularly attend antenatal and postnatal clinics, and evaluate some of the health services positively. However, the following were identified:
Positive changes are observed, such as later first births, a better attitude towards education for girls, and a more active role for fathers.
Conclusion: Improving maternal and child health care in Roma communities requires a culturally sensitive and integrated approach that combines professional support, community work, father involvement, and increased health literacy.
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