Cultural Care Needs Muslim Population Healthcare

Muslim culture is informed by the teachings of Islam, which places great value on modesty and spiritual well-being. For healthcare workers treating Muslim patients, it is important to remember that Muslims tend to prefer same-gender healthcare providers whenever possible, due to their modesty. This is going to be the case especially when it comes to intimate examinations (Shahawy et al., 2024). Likewise, hospitalized Muslim patients may require accommodations for prayer times, including a clean space and the ability to face Mecca (a custom in Islam when praying). Fasting, moreover, during Ramadan is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, and it can affect medication schedules and diet. Healthcare providers must be sensitive to patients’ decisions regarding fasting.

Yet, in spite of the fact that Islam promotes a healthy lifestyle, there are some high-risk behaviors and health conditions that disproportionately affect Muslim communities. Smoking is one of them: it is prevalent in Muslim-majority countries and communities, even though it is discouraged in the religion (Azmi et al., 2021). Hookah (water pipe) smoking increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues in some Muslim cultures can prevent individuals from seeking timely psychiatric care, leading to undiagnosed or untreated conditions such as depression and anxiety. On top of this, women’s health screenings may also be delayed due to modesty concerns or lack of awareness (Saherwala et al., 2021). Also, marriage between relatives, which are more common in some Muslim communities, increase the risk of genetic disorders. Addressing these high-risk behaviors through culturally appropriate care and health education and interventions is an important step to take for health care providers interacting with this population (Shahawy et al., 2024).

Healthcare providers must be mindful that direct physical contact between unrelated men and women is to be avoided in Muslim cultures. A male doctor treating a female Muslim patient should always ask permission before physical examinations and consider having a female chaperone present if needed. Eye contact norms vary. Personal space is important, as excessive physical closeness from an unrelated individual may cause discomfort. Verbal communication should be respectful and formal, with proper greetings being given. Sensitivity to religious expressions is important; for example, a Muslim patient may respond to discussions about health outcomes with “Insha’Allah” (God willing), expressing faith in divine will. Health care providers should respect such expressions when giving treatment or medical guidance (Shahawy et al., 2024).

Other cultural factors will determine the nature of healthcare interactions with Muslim patients. Time orientation in many Muslim cultures tends to be present-focused rather than future-oriented, which means that Muslim patients may prioritize immediate relief over long-term preventative care. Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of follow-ups and chronic disease management if they see this happening. Healthcare providers should try to work within Muslims’ dietary constraints to get the nutrients into the body. A dietician may need to be consulted to help. In cases of terminal illness, Muslim patients and their families might engage in collective decision-making and may request that life-prolonging interventions align with religious guidelines. Providers should be prepared to accommodate the religious customs and wishes related to end-of-life care, such as positioning a dying patient’s body toward Mecca (Shahawy et al., 2024).