A Qualitative Study of Arab-American Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence in Dearborn, Michigan

Few studies explore how intimate partner violence (IPV) affects Arab Americans. Through focus groups with stakeholders from an Arab-centered health organization and semistructured interviews with Arab-American female clients (18–65 years), we explore how IPV affects Arab-American women and factors that impede and facilitate their access to support services. We find that IPV is a critical concern among Arab Americans and that generational status, educational attainment, and support from family, friends, or religious leaders were perceived to influence access to IPV support services. This study has implications for developing culturally sensitive IPV interventions for Arab-American women.

Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening in Three Arab American Women Subgroups

Introduction Arab American women (AAW) have significantly low mammography screening (MS) rates; religious and sociocultural factors may serve as facilitators or barriers to screening. Understanding associations with screening practices and attitudes is imperative. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of sociodemographic characteristics with perceived benefits and barriers to MS and explore relationships of MS with sociodemographics, and perceived benefits and barriers in Muslim and Christian AAW from three Arab countries, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. Method In this exploratory, cross sectional study, a convenience sample of 316 AAW completed a survey that combined sociodemographics and the Arab Specific-Culture Barriers instrument. Results Religion was significantly associated with perceived benefits and country of birth had a significant association with perceived barriers. Significant relationships were found between some variables and MS. Discussion This study provided insights into facilitators and barriers influencing behaviors and attitudes regarding MS in AAW. Additional efforts are to be made to overcome barriers within a religious and cultural context to empower these women.

Participants’ perspectives of a fall prevention exercise program in older Arab Americans: A focus group study

Background and objective: Physical exercise is an important intervention to maintain health, reduce falls and improve quality-of-life outcomes in older adults. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, and the use of Tai Chi exercise is well-supported by the general older population. Currently, there is little evidence to support the acceptance of Tai Chi by Arab Americans who have no cultural ties to Tai Chi. It is important to understand the perspective of participants in order to gain insight into the attitudes and opinions of the target group. Purpose: To explore participants' perspectives in a small group setting about the implementation of a culturally sensitive Tai Chi fall prevention group exercise program.Methods: Participants were eight older Arab American women who completed a 12-week Tai Chi fall prevention exercise program at a non-for-profit Arab community center. A semi-structured interview and focus group study was conducted with the participants and was audiotaped. The audio recordings were translated into English, transcribed, and analyzed for emergent themes.Results: Participants’ views of the program were positive. The key elements that contributed to the positive outcomes reported by participants were the characteristics of Tai Chi, the Tai Chi instructor, and the use of bilingual staff as a facilitator. The data showed three themes of self-reported benefits, including prevention awareness, physical benefits and mental health benefits, and two program-related factors: program barriers and promoters.Conclusions: Findings indicated that the Tai Chi program implemented in a culturally sensitive manner can be accepted by older Arab American women. Collaborating with a community-based organization and using bilingual staff from the same culture are key factors to promote the success of the program.