Provider bias and lack of knowledge about religion and culture present one of the biggest road blocks when it comes to good health care for Muslim women, about 3,000 of whom live in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas.
That’s the opinion of Naser Alsharif, Pharm.D., Ph.D., of the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, who will discuss cultural competency issues in regards to Muslim women on Friday at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.
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What will UNMC employees learn during the presentation that will help them in their jobs?
They will get:
- An overview of basics beliefs and practices in Islam;
- General facts about the Muslim world and health and healing practices for Muslims;
- Information about why culture competency is important for health care professionals when dealing with the Muslim patient in general and Muslim women in particular; and
- A summary of data from a recent study on factors influencing health and healing practices for Muslims in Nebraska.
What are some common misconceptions about Muslim women?
There are many. Of course the dress, in which some Muslim women wear veils or scarves, is commonly misinterpreted. It may surprise people to know that the majority of Muslim women who wear such clothing do so out of choice because they want to be identified as Muslims — not because they are made to by oppressive social forces. Such dress is meant to reflect one of the principles of Islam, which is modesty. It’s the same principle that applies to nuns in many Christian religions.
Describe a time when a person’s devotion to Islam could hinder their health care.
Some Muslims, when fasting for Ramadan, may not take their medication. This can be difficult for someone with a condition such as diabetes. It helps for health care providers to learn about the religion so they can help their patients work through these issues. Maybe in the case of the Muslim with diabetes who observes Ramadan, a provider can suggest the patient discuss her situation with a religious leader to help find a solution.