Cultural Interview and Assessment of a Muslim Immigrant

Cultural Interview and Assessment of a Muslim Immigrant

Nursing 464

University of Phoenix

November 13, 2006

In rural central Kentucky there are is not a notable cultural diversity as seen in larger more populated areas. In fact, most immigrants are migrant workers from Mexico or Guatemala. However, there are a small number of Muslim immigrants from the Middle East. Muslims are a very religious culture that some would consider a strict sect. In Danville, Kentucky most Muslim immigrants are physicians and there families. There are no Mosques here, no praying walls facing Mecca; however, Dr. XXXXXXX considers Danville, Kentucky his home away from home. Upon the cultural interview and assessment there are many obstacles that the Muslim childrearing family faces. Dr. XXXXXXX is married to Zuby, who is also a physician. They have three children, Janed, who is seven, Ramsha, who is five, and Sanford, who is three. Although successful, alms must be paid to the poor to be closer to Ali, who is the Muslim God. It is usually a 10 % of the total income in alms much like the Christian practice of donating 10 % to the church. In the following assessment and generalization of interventions will be discussed and explained in hopes of sharing a small piece of healthcare differences a Muslim-American faces in today’s healthcare system.

Muslim culture is a very close-knit network of extended family. It is not uncommon for a married couple to live with their children, along with sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, in laws, and parents. The men play the major role in family choices and decisions. Women are more subservient and are more focused on the childrearing and family household planning. Women are not prohibited from education or working. In fact today’s Muslim-American women make up a large component in schools and professions across the board. Muslim families fall into the category of group culture. The text states, “Although working with a group does not mean dictating its norms, the nurse can help support helpful rules, attitudes, and behaviors…” How do Muslims vary from the average American patient? What special interventions would a Muslim family or patient require while under medical care?

Muslims are very active in prayer. They pray 5 times a day and each prayer last about 5 to 10 minutes. While praying the Muslim will bow towards Mecca. They also must be clean before praying. This ritual may require the nurse to help the patient to the bathroom or to supply the patient with water and a basin. Women who are menstruating or bleeding postpartum are excused from daily prayer. Dr. XXXXXX, who is a physician, has a prayer room in his office and retreats there during the Muslim times of prayer to abide by Muslim law. When a nurse encounters Muslim prayer in the assessment, he or she should acknowledge this need by doing rounds and passing meds at times that the prayer will not be interrupted. A do not disturb sign could also be placed on the door to allow the patient quiet time to pray privately and uninterrupted. If the Muslim patient has his or her Koran it must not be touched by anyone else. Sometimes part of the Koran in lace through a necklace or chain, if so this object must not be removed unless the patient gives permission. The

Muslim culture also has many dietary restrictions; these are somewhat similar to Jewish restrictions. Pork and alcohol are totally prohibited. Nurses and other medical staff must keep in mind that many food and even certain medicines are restricted to the Muslim patient. “Any meat that is eating must be clean.,” stated Dr. XXXXXX. He continued to say, “ We must pray to Ali for the animal that we are sacrificing to feed ourselves. The animals throat must be cut and totally bled to adhere to our laws.” Some bakery items are also off limits to the Muslim patient related to the additives that we as Americans take for granted. Most pastry contains lard, which is animal fat. This substance is forbidden to the Muslim culture. Marshmallows and Jell-O also contain animal by products and sometimes alcohol. Some cold medicines are to be avoided