Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2023

Abstract

Delivering healthcare to Muslim refugee patients in a healthcare environment necessitates a profound understanding of their cultural and religious beliefs. The healthcare provider faces intricate hurdles in facilitating effective communication due to the diverse social, cultural, migration, and religious backgrounds within this population. Moreover, bridging the healthcare communication gap often involves grappling with gender-specific expectations aligned with how patients perceive healthcare delivery. To effectively navigate these challenges and enhance patient-provider communication, it is essential for providers to comprehend cultural norms, be well-versed in religious values and restrictions, and grasp the significance of self-care practices and connections to traditional and cultural healing approaches. The primary goal of this study was to expand on the knowledge about Muslim refugee women’s healthcare experiences in the US, their perceptions of interpersonal clinical interactions with their providers, and the influence of those experiences and perceptions on their self-care. Methods included qualitative analyses of the patient-provider communication experiences and perceptions, religious and cultural influence on self-care, and concepts emerging from the narratives of 10 Muslim women refugee patients. Analysis of the narratives led to explain the challenges patients faced in managing their health, communicating with healthcare providers, fostering a connection with their faith (Allah), and dealing with health conditions. The study provides a narrative that shifts power to Muslim women refugee patients and their agency of mentioning the need for healthcare providers to possess a broader understanding and knowledge of refugee communities' healthcare requirements. Further discussion of the analysis led to the creation of the Refugee Women Coordinated Centered Care Model which addresses the intercultural barriers and bridges the communication gap to provide cultural safety and self-empowerment to Muslim refugee women to practice culturally and religiously appropriate self-care methods.

Language

English

Keywords

Patient- Provider Communication, Refugee, Religion, Cultural, Self-care, Perceptions, experiences, marginalization

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Jaelyn deMaría

Second Committee Member

Dr. Ilia Rodriguez Nazario

Third Committee Member

Dr. Yansun Hong

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Julia Hess

Fifth Committee Member

Dr. Francisco Soto Mas

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