Because of the increased migration that is occurring throughout the world, nurses need to understand the differences among cultures and apply this knowledge to provide culturally appropriate care. This culture awareness will improve the quality of care and health outcomes. Flexibility and a respect for others viewpoints is required to adapt different culture beliefs and practices. A full understanding of cultural factors that influence health and care behaviors is extremely important to the profession of nursing (Luna, 1989). The intent of this paper is to provide the reader with an insight of the religion, social structures and healthcare practices of the Arab Muslim client.

There are 6 million Muslims in the United States, and that number is increasing ste

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar celebrates the month when the Koran was sent down as guidance. Abstinence from food and drink is required from dawn to dusk. Women who are menstruating or lactating as well as sick individuals are exempt from fasting. Pregnancy is not considered an illness and the Koran does not mention an exemption from fasting for these women. During Ramadan, the nurse can offer to have food brought to the room after sunset and before sunrise each day. If the woman is experiencing complications from pregnancy such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, she should be encouraged to break the fast. A pregnant Muslim woman who insists on fasting should do so under medical supervision.

Modesty is very important to the Arab Muslim client, especially for females. The intention of Muslim dress is to conceal the body identity (Zaidi, 1994). Vaginal examinations can cause great anxiety. It is common for traditional Arab women to expect to see female providers (Kulwicki, Miller & Schim, 2000). If a male needs to examine an Arab woman, a female nurse should be present during the examination. An Arab woman cannot be alone with a male unless it is her husband or a family member. When examining the Muslim woman, the nurse should assist in maintaining her modesty by only exposing the necessary part to be examined.

A customary practice for the Muslim culture is for a prayer to be whispered in the baby’s ear immediately after birth. Some Muslims also desire to bathe the baby. These practices can be performed by anyone, but if the father is present he may wish to do them.

Cleanliness is important because a clean body implies a pure soul. Prior to prayer, each person must perform a ritual ablution or cleansing of certain parts of the body. The body and clothing must be free from urine or stool. The nurse can assist the client with bathing or changing of clothes if necessary. However, if the nurse assists with cleansing of the genitals after voiding or defecation, water should be used.

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