Publication: Religious understanding - does it matter?
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Abstract
Introduction: Abnormal vaginal bleeding has a significant impact on religious acts among Muslim women. The act of praying and fasting for example are prohibited at time of menstrual bleeding. However should the bleeding become prolonged, Muslim women can perform the acts as usual as the bleeding is considered as an illness. The objective of this study is to explore what is expected from the healthcare providers when dealing with abnormal vaginal bleeding among Muslim women.
Methods: A total of 89 healthcare professionals were surveyed on their knowledge, attitude and practice when treating Muslim women with abnormal vaginal bleeding and its implication on religious acts.
Results: All of the 89 participants had learned about the impact of abnormal vaginal bleeding on religious acts with 90% (80/89) learning it at secondary school. 69% (61/89) of the participants state that patients will ask them about the religious acts i.e can they pray during the time of abnormal vaginal bleeding. 54% (48/ 89) have been asked before while 89% (79/89) felt that they are in position to answer such questions. 64% (57/89) were convinced with their answers while 96% (85/89) stated that patients would expect them to know the ruling on religious acts at time of abnormal vaginal bleeding. 78% (69/89) of the participants felt that both the healthcare professionals and religious scholars are the best people to be referred to should there be any doubts about the rulings.
Conclusion: Increasing number of patients want greater attention paid to their spiritual need. The decision made is greatly influenced by the impact it has on all aspect of a patient�s life. Understanding a patient�s religious belief will put the health care professionals at a better position in providing effective role.
Description
Volume 123, Issue S4