Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia.
Front Public Health. 2023 Oct 6;11:1266742. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266742. eCollection 2023.
This qualitative study investigates the impact of cultural practices on children's health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining the use of traditional remedies and home treatments by mothers.
Twenty-five participants, all mothers who had employed traditional treatments or home remedies for their children during periods of illness, were included in the study. The participants represented a diverse range of educational backgrounds, from school diploma holders to university degree graduates, with ages spanning from 20 to 50 years. Hailing from different Arabic countries and cultural subgroups, the majority of participating mothers were from the UAE.
Through in-depth interviews, three major themes emerged from the participants' experiences. Firstly, a strong connection between culture, religion, and healthcare practices was evident. Many mothers opted for cultural remedies as their first line of defense against illnesses due to the practices' strong foundations in their cultural heritage. Herbal remedies, Quranic healing, and other traditional methods were perceived to be both effective and spiritually comforting, reinforcing participants' sense of cultural identity. Secondly, participants highlighted unintended consequences of relying solely on traditional treatments. Some instances were reported where the use of ineffective remedies resulted in delays in seeking appropriate medical care for their children, potentially compromising their health. Additionally, certain misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies were identified, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare education.
This qualitative study sheds light on the intricate interplay between culture, traditional remedies, and children's health in the UAE. The incorporation of diverse participants from various Arabic countries and cultural subgroups enriches the study's applicability to broader Arabic cultures. By recognizing the significance of cultural healthcare practices and striking a balance with evidence-based care, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for children in the UAE. Future research should explore diverse samples and develop targeted interventions to further advance cultural awareness and understanding in healthcare practices.
本定性研究通过考察母亲使用传统疗法和家庭疗法的情况，调查文化习俗对阿联酋儿童健康的影响。
本研究纳入了 25 名参与者，均为在孩子患病期间使用过传统疗法或家庭疗法的母亲。参与者代表了不同的教育背景，从持有中学文凭到拥有大学学位，年龄在 20 至 50 岁之间。这些母亲来自不同的阿拉伯国家和文化群体，其中大多数来自阿联酋。
通过深入访谈，参与者的经验中出现了三个主要主题。首先，文化、宗教和医疗保健实践之间存在着紧密的联系。由于这些实践在文化遗产中有着深厚的根基，许多母亲在对抗疾病时首先选择文化疗法。草药疗法、《古兰经》治疗和其他传统方法被认为既有效又能带来精神上的安慰，增强了参与者的文化认同感。其次，参与者强调了仅依赖传统疗法的意外后果。有些情况下，由于使用无效的疗法，导致孩子延迟寻求适当的医疗护理，可能会影响他们的健康。此外，还发现了一些关于传统疗法安全性和有效性的误解，强调了需要进行基于证据的医疗保健教育。
本定性研究揭示了阿联酋文化、传统疗法和儿童健康之间复杂的相互作用。从不同的阿拉伯国家和文化群体中招募多样化的参与者，丰富了该研究在更广泛的阿拉伯文化中的适用性。通过认识到文化医疗保健实践的重要性，并在基于证据的护理方面取得平衡，医疗保健提供者可以为阿联酋的儿童创造一个更具包容性和有效的医疗保健环境。未来的研究应探索更多样化的样本，并制定有针对性的干预措施，以进一步提高医疗保健实践中的文化意识和理解。
