1
|
Alomair N, Alageel S, Davies N, Bailey JV. Muslim women's knowledge, views, and attitudes towards sexually transmitted infections in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286822. [PMID: 37352200 PMCID: PMC10289450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cultural sensitivity surrounding sexuality in Islamic communities has an impact on awareness and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study explores Muslim women's knowledge, views, and attitudes towards STIs and people living with HIV/AIDs in Saudi Arabia. METHODS We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with Muslim women from Saudi Arabia. Interviews took place in a public hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2019. Data were transcribed, coded, and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-eight women were interviewed, the majority were college educated and employed. Participants lacked knowledge about STIs, and there were significant misconceptions. The majority of women expressed extremely negative attitudes towards STIs, particularly towards people living with HIV/AIDS. Participants believed that judgemental attitudes and stigmatisation of people with HIV/AIDS were justified if an infection was transmitted through extramarital sex. Men were believed to be the source of STIs, and STIs were viewed as punishment from God for extramarital sexual relations that are forbidden in Islam. Protection against STIs was believed to be achieved by strengthening religious beliefs. CONCLUSION Attitudes towards people with STIs, HIV/AIDS in particular, were highly influenced by religious views towards extramarital sex, as well as lack of knowledge and misconceptions. There is an urgent need for accurate information and improved awareness of sexual health including STIs among Muslims in Saudi Arabia. Public health efforts should be directed towards reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia and other Islamic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura Alomair
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samah Alageel
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nathan Davies
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia V. Bailey
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kusuma MTPL, Kidd T, Muturi N, Procter SB, Yarrow L, Hsu WW. The Symbolic Meaning of HIV: Understanding Lecturers' Ambivalence over Teaching HIV to Dietetic Students. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 19:2325958220939755. [PMID: 32662324 PMCID: PMC7361481 DOI: 10.1177/2325958220939755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Responding to the increasing reports of health students and professionals demonstrating stigmatized attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLHIV), this article examined the learning process that takes place during their academic training. Using symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework, we studied the way lecturers in dietetic schools in Indonesia make meaning of their understanding and experience of HIV in relation to their teaching conduct. We found that the current curriculum does not provide adequate opportunities for students to learn and interact with PLHIV. Participants described HIV discussion is mainly limited to the clinical aspects and essential treatment as they were uncomfortable discussing HIV with the students. The ostensible symbolic meaning of HIV among dietetic lecturers in Indonesia was compounded with limitations and restrictions affecting their teaching practices and attitudes to PLHIV. Future intervention is required to help lecturers recognize their degree of awareness and personal values about HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutiara Tirta Prabandari Lintang Kusuma
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia.,Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Tandalayo Kidd
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Nancy Muturi
- A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications, College of Arts and Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Sandra Butin Procter
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Linda Yarrow
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Wei-Wen Hsu
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khatoon A, Husain S, Husain S, Hussain S. Frequency of pregnant women who accept HIV screening using rapid detection test and factors associated with acceptance. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:470-475. [DOI: 10.1177/0956462420976262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To assess the frequency of pregnant women who accept HIV screening using rapid detection test and factors associated with acceptance we undertook a cross-sectional study conducted from July to December 2018. Women aged 20–45 years, who were pregnant and planned to deliver at the facility, were included. Women were counseled and offered about Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening. A total of 718 women were included in the study. The screening was accepted by 32.3% of women. Six women tested positive in the study giving a seroprevalence of 0.8% in the population studied. Acceptance of counseling and screening varied significantly with age range, educational status, socioeconomic status, and employment status. Women aged 30 years and above ( p = 0.023) and women with higher education ( p < 0.001) were more likely to refuse counselling. Similarly, employed women (p = 0.041) and women of higher socioeconomic class ( p = 0.039) refused counselling. However, when logistic regression was conducted, only educational status ( p < 0.001) and occupational status ( p = 0.039) were significantly associated with acceptance of counseling and screening. The acceptance of counselling and testing for HIV in antenatal care attendees was low. Women of higher educational status and having some employment refused counselling and testing more commonly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Khatoon
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Samia Husain
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sonia Husain
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saba Hussain
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alomair N, Alageel S, Davies N, Bailey JV. Sexually transmitted infection knowledge and attitudes among Muslim women worldwide: a systematic review. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2020; 28:1731296. [PMID: 32202220 PMCID: PMC7888124 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1731296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extramarital sexual relations are forbidden in Islam, and sexual health information is not readily available in Islamic communities, especially for women. This review aimed to explore sexually transmitted infection (STI) knowledge and attitudes among Muslim women worldwide. A systematic review was conducted on seven electronic databases. We included qualitative and quantitative studies of female Muslim participants of reproductive age, focusing on STI knowledge and attitudes. A narrative synthesis approach was used with thematic analysis methods. Eighteen studies conducted in 13 countries were included. Three main themes were identified: poor knowledge and misconceptions; sources of sexual health information and information needs; and cultural influences on STI knowledge and attitudes. Generally, Muslim women had poor knowledge regarding STI signs and symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, in addition to many misconceptions. Negative attitudes towards people infected with HIV/AIDS were common, and attitudes were highly influenced by misconceptions and insufficient knowledge. Infected women tended to be subjected to more blame and judgement compared to men. While the review summarises knowledge and attitudes of Muslim women worldwide, we excluded studies that did not clearly state that the study participants were Muslim women, hence many countries with Muslim populations are not represented in this review. Negative attitudes towards STIs make it harder for women to access sexual health information, STI prevention and treatment. This review highlights the need for culturally sensitive sexual health education for Muslim women. Future sex education interventions would benefit from considering the wider personal and external barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura Alomair
- Postgraduate Researcher, Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK. Correspondence:
| | - Samah Alageel
- Assistant Professor, Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nathan Davies
- Senior Research Fellow, Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julia V. Bailey
- Associate Professor, Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alomair N, Alageel S, Davies N, Bailey JV. Factors influencing sexual and reproductive health of Muslim women: a systematic review. Reprod Health 2020; 17:33. [PMID: 32138744 PMCID: PMC7059374 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-0888-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Islamic societies, issues related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are rarely discussed and considered sensitive subjects. This review aimed to identify any personal, religious, cultural, or structural barriers to SRH service and education among Muslim women worldwide. METHODS A search for qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted on seven electronic databases. A narrative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Fifty-nine studies were included from 22 countries: 19 qualitative, 38 quantitative and two mixed methods. Many Muslim women have poor SRH knowledge, and negative attitudes which influence their access to, and use of SRH services. Barriers to contraception use among Muslim women included a lack of basic reproductive knowledge, insufficient knowledge about contraception, misconceptions, and negative attitudes. Women had negative attitudes towards family planning for limiting the number of children but not for child spacing, which reflected religious views towards family planning. Religious and cultural beliefs were barriers to contraception use and access to SRH services and information. Family and the community have a significant impact on women's contraceptive use and access to SRH services. Husband and family opposition played a significant role in contraception access and use. Fear of stigmatization and being labelled as having pre-marital sexual relations among unmarried women acted as the main barrier to accessing contraception and seeking SRH information and services. CONCLUSION The findings reveal that there are multiple levels of factors that influence Muslim women's SRH. Poor SRH knowledge and practices among Muslim women is complex matter that is affected by personal, community, cultural, religious factors and existing policies and regulations. All these factors overlap and are affected by each other. There is an urgent need for interventions addressing modifiable barriers to SRH education and services to improve knowledge, informed choice and access to services to facilitate better sexual and reproductive wellbeing for Muslim women. It is important to note that while this review aimed to report findings on Muslim women, we acknowledge that significant variations exist within every culture and religion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura Alomair
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, Upper 3rd Floor, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Samah Alageel
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nathan Davies
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, Upper 3rd Floor, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Julia V Bailey
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, Upper 3rd Floor, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| |
Collapse
|