ARAB CULTURE

Intro: Surface Culture

Narrator:

Beneath the scorching dunes of a deserted wasteland, lies a paradise – the oasis of wealth and
culture. Welcome, to the Arab World.

The Great Arab Countries are spread across the Middle East and North Africa, covering a vast
and diverse geographical area. The Arabic language is the unifying factor among Arab
countries. The Arab World has a rich cultural heritage that includes art, music, literature, and
cuisine. Islamic culture plays a significant role in shaping the customs and traditions of these
countries. Islam is the dominant religion in Arab countries, with most of the population adhering
to Sunni Islam. Arab countries have diverse economies, with some heavily reliant on oil exports
while others depend on agriculture, tourism, or manufacturing. The Arab world has a rich history
that includes the spread of Islam in the 7th century, the Islamic Golden Age, the Arab
contributions to science and philosophy, and various empires and dynasties.

Despite their prosperity, Arab healthcare faces various challenges, including disparities in
access to healthcare services, shortages of healthcare professionals, inadequate healthcare
infrastructure in certain regions, and a growing burden of both communicable and non-
communicable diseases. With the crisis at hand, the government of the Arab Nations have
sought aid from medical professionals from across the globe – the Philippines being the most
active provider of competent nurses.

Body:

On Providing Culturally Congruent Care to Arab Clients

Dietary Customs in Arabic Healthcare

Jenner: There is strong belief about the food that is allowed (halal) and the foods that are
prohibited (haram). According to Arab health beliefs and traditions, pork and its by-products are
all prohibited. Muslim women and men, its by-products, and animal fats cannot consume meat
that hasn’t been slaughtered as per Islamic rites and customs.

Arriana: Disease-related dietary advice will be difficult to follow if it does not conform to the
foods or cooking methods used by the patient. The general health beliefs of Arab Muslims are to
refrain from drinking alcohol. They cannot consume foods containing ethanol and should not
wear perfumes with alcoholic ingredients.

Arab Religious Beliefs in Healthcare

Hyacinth: Religious faith and spiritual beliefs may affect the behavior and willingness of people
to accept specific treatments, which can restrict the health providers from offering the best
services. However, most Arab religious beliefs and Arab American health beliefs are modern.
They are open to modern theories and procedures, while still retaining faith in the traditions and
the religious beliefs.

Outro: Deep Culture, seen in an actual scenario

Flow:

1. Looking at the diagnosis and checking the client’s background information.

Cyra: Just like in any other setting, understanding the client’s background is vital to
create a harmonious work-relationship with your patient.
2. Being aware the country’s culture, she is groomed properly.
Cyra: In Arab Countries, the primary intention of the Hijab is to protect women from evil
eyes. Did you know that women seen in public without a veil could be sentenced to
between 10 days and two months in prison or a fine?
3. Proceeds to the client’s private room.
4. Client is seen praying; waits for a while.
Cyra: Like any other religious denominations, being distracted while praying is very
disrespectful. Remember that Muslim clients pray at least 5 times a day. Wait for them
to finish.
5. Noticed by the client, he gestures her to come in.
6. The nurse knocks, bows her head, and smiles subtly.
Cyra: Non-reciprocal behavior is unacceptable. If someone does you a favor, you are
expected to return the favor at a future time. In this example, if an Arab invites you to his
room, you may reciprocate by acknowledging your client’s actions.
7. Transition to sitting squarely and not parallel to the client.
Cyra: Remember to sit squarely and not sit with the sole of your shoe facing another
person. It is considered an insult.
“Good morning Mr. Macaraeg.”
“Good morning! (shouting)”
8. The nurse is startled but quick to remember the Arab’s culture. She smiles.
“I am nurse Natividad and I will be your nurse for today.” said smilingly.
Cyra: Arab men may speak loudly with a rising tone. This is seen as a positive
characteristic rather than a negative one. Indeed, ‘shouting’ can indicate sincerity and
engagement in the conversation, not necessarily anger or hostility.
9. Tries to shake hands with left hand but stops and does not make unnecessary
gestures.
Cyra: Good thing that you stopped! This is considered rude and invasive in Arab culture.
Don’t offer or accept anything with your left hand. It’s because the custom is to wipe or
clean your butt with your left hand after going to the toilet, so it’s regarded as a dirty part
of your body even after washing your hands.
10. The nurse makes eye contact from time to time to make the client comfortable
enough, but not for too long.
Cyra: Making long eye contact with the opposite sex or older people is frowned upon
and is often considered a sign of disrespect for the social norms.
“Are you taking the vitamins prescribed to you by your doctor?”
“No, no. I cannot. I am fasting. Cannot eat, drink or take meds by mouth.”
11. The nurse remembers the Islam belief system during fasting.
Cyra: While fasting during Ramzan is considered as one of the five pillars of Islam, Sehri
and Iftar, the two meals taken before and after fasting, are considered the most
significant. They help the devouts replenish and recharge themselves with energy to
keep themselves going with steadfast devotion throughout the month.

Remember to always meet halfway with your client! Provide optimal nursing
management while adjusting to their belief and culture.
 “Okay, I understand. Don’t worry Sir Macaraeg, we will adjust your medications just in
time for your Iftar (evening meal) and Suhur (morning meal) so that you will not break
your fasting.”
12. The nurse writes down the necessary information and respectfully asks the client
that she will leave.
Cyra: Direct requests and demands are unacceptable. Similar to the insults, the
language used to make a request should be very roundabout.
13. The client was well-received and felt more at ease under the transcultural nurse’s
care.

Closing Statement

The outside world has a huge misconception about Islamic culture, Islamic beliefs and medicine
in Arab culture. Arab health beliefs and practices are based on traditions and Arab health
religious beliefs but they have become very advanced in the recent years. No matter how
diverse and peculiar their culture and beliefs are to the outside world, it is our role and
responsibility to provide the utmost culturally sensitive care.

- everyone (except heid) must end with a pose like Jessica sojo (palms together while
standing with poise)