The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications

AimThis 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.MethodsTwenty-five participants, all mothers who had employed traditional treatments or home reme...

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Main Authors: Nabeel Al-Yateem, Amal Muneer Abobakr Lajam, Mariam Mohamad Gouda Othman, Maryam Ahmed Ali Ahmed, Shayma Ibrahim, Aram Halimi, Fatma Refaat Ahmad, Muhammad Arsyad Subu, Jacqueline Maria Dias, Syed Azizur Rahman, Ahmad Rajeh Saifan, Heba Hijazi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-10-01
Series:Frontiers in Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266742/full
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author Nabeel Al-Yateem
Nabeel Al-Yateem
Amal Muneer Abobakr Lajam
Mariam Mohamad Gouda Othman
Maryam Ahmed Ali Ahmed
Shayma Ibrahim
Aram Halimi
Aram Halimi
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Jacqueline Maria Dias
Syed Azizur Rahman
Ahmad Rajeh Saifan
Heba Hijazi
Heba Hijazi
author_facet Nabeel Al-Yateem
Nabeel Al-Yateem
Amal Muneer Abobakr Lajam
Mariam Mohamad Gouda Othman
Maryam Ahmed Ali Ahmed
Shayma Ibrahim
Aram Halimi
Aram Halimi
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Jacqueline Maria Dias
Syed Azizur Rahman
Ahmad Rajeh Saifan
Heba Hijazi
Heba Hijazi
author_sort Nabeel Al-Yateem
collection DOAJ
description AimThis 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.MethodsTwenty-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.ResultsThrough 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.ConclusionThis 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.
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spelling doaj.art-bd3ae1bc814a4472bbd2d812a8765b232023-10-09T14:15:14ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652023-10-011110.3389/fpubh.2023.12667421266742The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implicationsNabeel Al-Yateem0Nabeel Al-Yateem1Amal Muneer Abobakr Lajam2Mariam Mohamad Gouda Othman3Maryam Ahmed Ali Ahmed4Shayma Ibrahim5Aram Halimi6Aram Halimi7Fatma Refaat Ahmad8Fatma Refaat Ahmad9Muhammad Arsyad Subu10Muhammad Arsyad Subu11Jacqueline Maria Dias12Syed Azizur Rahman13Ahmad Rajeh Saifan14Heba Hijazi15Heba Hijazi16Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesSchool of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, AustraliaDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesStudent Research Committee, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, EgyptDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesFaculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Binawan University, Jakarta, IndonesiaDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Health Service Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesApplied Science Private University, Amman, JordanDepartment of Health Service Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JordanAimThis 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.MethodsTwenty-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.ResultsThrough 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.ConclusionThis 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.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266742/fullcultural healthcare practicesChildren’s healthUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)traditional remedieshome treatmentsqualitative study
spellingShingle Nabeel Al-Yateem
Nabeel Al-Yateem
Amal Muneer Abobakr Lajam
Mariam Mohamad Gouda Othman
Maryam Ahmed Ali Ahmed
Shayma Ibrahim
Aram Halimi
Aram Halimi
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Fatma Refaat Ahmad
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Muhammad Arsyad Subu
Jacqueline Maria Dias
Syed Azizur Rahman
Ahmad Rajeh Saifan
Heba Hijazi
Heba Hijazi
The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
Frontiers in Public Health
cultural healthcare practices
Children’s health
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
traditional remedies
home treatments
qualitative study
title The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
title_full The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
title_fullStr The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
title_full_unstemmed The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
title_short The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
title_sort impact of cultural healthcare practices on children s health in the united arab emirates a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications
topic cultural healthcare practices
Children’s health
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
traditional remedies
home treatments
qualitative study
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1266742/full
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