The use of Culture Care Theory with Syrian Muslims in the Mid-western United States

Online Journal of Cultural Competence in Nursing and Healthcare Vol. 1, No. 3, 2011 ABSTRACT Purpose: To discover, describe and analyze the traditional generic (lay, folk, indigenous) and professional care meanings, beliefs, and practices related to health and illness of traditional Syrian Muslims in the Midwestern United States (US). Design and Research Methods: Leininger’s Culture Care Theory and ethnonursing research method were used for this study. Research participants included 10 key and 20 general informants who ranged between the ages of 18 to 79 years. Findings: Three themes were discovered: Traditional Syrian Muslim men and women share caregiving responsibilities and practices to promote healthy family and community lifeways; traditional Syrian Muslims view caring for family members, friends, all living creatures, and oneself as embedded in religion; and, traditional Syrian Muslims rely on Islamic spiritual care to promote health and prevent illness. Conclusion: Providing culturally congruent care is a goal all nurses share or should share. Learning about the generic (lay, folk, or indigenous) care beliefs, expressions, and practices related to health and illness of Syrian Muslims will assist US nurses and other health care professionals to provide this group with culturally meaningful care and lessen cultural pain, clashes, imposition, and conflicts. Clinical Relevance: Nurses are increasingly caring for patients from cultures other than their own due to increased immigration and diversity within the US. Findings from this study may be used by US health care providers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and others to provide traditional Syrian Muslims with culturally congruent and holistic care.