Developing a culturally competent faith-based framework to promote breast cancer screening among Afghan immigrant women

J Relig Health. 2015 Feb;54(1):153-9. doi: 10.1007/s10943-013-9793-z.

Abstract

For the tens of thousands of Afghan immigrant women currently living in the USA, religious and cultural beliefs can act as a barrier to health care access. Islamic frameworks and men's gatekeeping roles often control women's decision-making power about their health care needs. Gatekeepers, however, can be reconceived as facilitators empowered to protect the well-being of the family, and positive messages within Islam can foster collaborative investment in women's health. Drawing upon a pilot study utilizing community-based participatory research involving the largest Afghan community in the USA, this paper documents the need for culturally sensitive faith-based education to promote breast cancer screening among this growing population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afghanistan / ethnology
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Cultural Competency*
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / education*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Islam*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Refugees*
  • Religion
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • United States