Both providers and patients identify significant barriers to the provision of culturally appropriate care to Muslim women. Improving care would require a flexible and collaborative care model that respects and accommodates the needs of patients, provides opportunities for training providers and educating patients, and makes necessary adjustments in the healthcare system. The findings of this study can guide future research aimed at ensuring high-quality, culturally appropriate, patient-centered healthcare for Muslim women in the United States and other western countries.

Objective. To explore a possible explanation for the problem of why few people exercise despite the positive health advantages, by examining the relationship between exercise beliefs and participation in exercise activities. Methods. Eighty‐one respondents aged 27–80 were recruited from 3 Chicago‐area health care facilities to complete the study survey; 68 (84%) did so. Participants were asked about their participation in 6 types of exercise activities; they also reported their beliefs concerning their ability to exercise (self‐efficacy for exercise), barriers to exercise, benefits of exercise, and the impact of exercise on their arthritis. Results. Study results indicate that belief in the benefits of exercise and self‐efficacy for exercise are associated with participation in exercise activities. Also, severity of disease differentiated exercisers from non‐exercisers. Conclusions. Results suggest the importance of finding ways to strengthen belief in the benefits of exercise and self‐efficacy for exercise in people with arthritis, particularly people with moderate to severe disease‐related limitations.

Reliability and validity evidence for clinical competence is enhanced when more direct observation is included as a basis for clerkship ratings.

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