Transcultural nursing care of Arab Muslims

Nursing care of the Arab Muslim client can be extremely rewarding providing the nurse is knowledgeable about important features of the culture. Knowledge of the complex social structure, world view and cultural context features is critical in promoting a sense of care for these clients. The centrality of religion and the family are closely interrelated and reflect many aspects of health care. This article has presented an overview of some of these features. The importance of culturological assessment for each client and family cannot be over emphasized, since cultural background, education and degree of acculturation will lead to variation in these patterns. The use of Leininger's theory and modes of nursing interventions can be most helpful as a basis for decision-making processes related to care of the Arab Muslim client. Only through knowledge, respect and sensitivity can nurses be effective in meeting the goals of the theory which is culturally congruent care to all clients of diverse cultures.