Sociocultural Influences on Arab Women’s Participation in Breast Cancer Screening in Qatar

Abstract

Breast cancer, the most common cancer among Arab women in Qatar, significantly affects the morbidity and mortality of Arab women largely because of low participation rates in breast cancer screening. We used a critical ethnographic approach to uncover and describe factors that influence Arab women's breast cancer screening practices. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 health care practitioners in Qatar. Through thematic analysis of the data, we found three major factors influencing breast cancer screening practices: (a) beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding women's bodies, health, and illness; (b) religious beliefs and a culturally sensitive health care structure; and (c) culturally specific gender relations and roles. Arab women's health practices cannot be understood in isolation from the sociocultural environment. The problem of low rates of breast cancer screening practices and supportive interventions must be addressed within the context and not be limited to the individual.

Psychosocial Aspects of Female Breast Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa

“…One is to protect against breast cancer [ 25 , 26 ]. Furthermore, cultural norms and religious beliefs constituted barriers to early diagnosis and treatment [ 27 , 28 ]…”

“…According to the WHO, quality of life (QOL) is defined as an individual’s perception of their position in life within the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns [ 70 ]. When Arab women were asked about their definition of quality of life, they generally described their ability to fulfill their roles as mothers and wives [ 24 , 28 , 29 , 33 , 71 ]. Lower income and higher financial stress were associated with a poor quality of life in addition to higher pain severity [ 71 ].…”

Cultural Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in Arab Women

“…Understanding the different meanings of health concepts within various cultural and social structures of Arab and Muslim populations can be one of the most important challenges facing healthcare professionals (Baider and Goldzweig 2016;Hwang et al 2017).…”

“…Muslim participants showed a very strong sense of thankfulness to God for good health and referred it to predestination and recognized God as the supreme protector (Abu-Helalah et al 2015;Assaf et al 2017;Azaiza et al 2010;Hwang et al 2017;Padela et al 2015;Taha et al 2012). Believing that breast cancer is Qadaa Wa Qadar (destined) and that there was no cure were identified as barriers to screening (Abu-Helalah et al 2015;Cohen et al 2012;Hwang et al 2017). Both Muslim and Christian participants mentioned God when discussing their health and relied on religion, the holy books, prayers, and spiritual practices to find solace and cope with a diagnosis of breast cancer (Assaf et al 2017).…”

“…Both Muslim and Christian participants mentioned God when discussing their health and relied on religion, the holy books, prayers, and spiritual practices to find solace and cope with a diagnosis of breast cancer (Assaf et al 2017). Spirituality greatly influenced participants' health beliefs about cancer which was considered by many a punishment from God, or that a cure was only known by Him (Baider and Goldzweig 2016;Hwang et al 2017;Freund et al 2019).…”