An inquiry into the concept of infancy care based on the perspective of Islam

Abstract

All schools of thought believe that infancy is crucial to the formation and development of the human character. Nevertheless, a search of literature revealed the lack of a clear definition of the concept of 'infancy care based on an Islamic perspective' in nursing texts. As the lack of a clear definition of a concept conveys the inapplicability of that concept to its relevant field and community, this study was conducted to explore and determine the characteristic features of the concept of infancy care based on the perspective of Islam. Walker and Avant's (Strategies for theory construction in nursing. Prentice Hall, Boston, 2011) literary concept synthesis as the manner of concept development approach was conducted. Islamic documents were surveyed without any time limitation. Findings involved the extraction of six main concepts, including God as the Merciful Nurturer, mother as the symbol of the Creativity and Divinity of God, infant as a person with dignity and potential for excellence, parents as the nurture way paver, basic principles of nurturing, and holistic lifelong health promotion. The theoretical definition of each concept was presented. From the perspective of Islam, infant care is the nurturing of a human who has been conceived with dignity, certain rights, identity, and the capacity for development and excellence.

Examination of Breast Cancer Screening Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Syrian Refugee Women in a Western Canadian Province

“…Cultural beliefs can shape cancer and breast cancer perspectives and influence lifelong health promotion and cancer preventative strategies (Jafari-Mianaei et al, 2017). Islamic faith may play a pivotal role in religious Muslim women's lives as beliefs may influence perceptions around stigma and affect women's willingness to participate in breast cancer screening practices and healthpromoting behaviors (Hatefnia et al, 2010;Islam et al, 2017;Padela et al, 2015Padela et al, , 2018Zorogastua et al, 2017). Women may fear losing social status related to their roles as wives and mothers (Cohen & Azaiza, 2008).…”

“…Some studies specifically explored perceived physical, cultural, social, and psychological barriers that may discourage Arab women from participating in breast cancer screening programs (Saadi et al, 2012(Saadi et al, , 2015. The fear of being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease like cancer, stigma, modesty, lack of familiarity or uneasiness with the breasts, low education level, and lack of health literacy translating into unawareness of the benefits of screening selfcare activities represent barriers to breast screening (Alatrash;Chaka et al, 2018;Donnelly et al, 2013aDonnelly et al, , 2013bIslam et al, 2017;Salman, 2012;Soskolne et al, 2007;Zorogastua et al, 2017).…”

“…Qatari women had a low level or limited knowledge about breast cancer and screening methods (Donnelly et al, 2013a). Muslim refugee women living in Canada (Vahabi et al, 2015(Vahabi et al, , 2016 and the U.S. (Alatrash, 2020;Islam et al, 2017;Petro-Nustas et al, 2012;Saadi et al, 2015;Salman, 2012) have limited knowledge of breast cancer and low exposure to early screening practices. In our study, women's low participation rate in breast screening practices may be explained by a lack of education and fluency in English or French, impeding the search and the understanding of health information.…”

“…Some researchers reported participants finding information about breast cancer and screening practices from various sources, mainly from physicians and newspapers (Donnelly et al, 2013a;Mamdouh et al, 2014). The literature review indicates that participation in breast cancer screening is low among Muslim women either in their home countries or abroad (Donnelly et al 2013b;Islam et al, 2017;Petro-Nustas et al, 2012;Salman, 2012;Secginli & Nahcivan, 2006;Soskolne et al, 2007, Vahabi, 2011Vahabi et al, 2015;Zorogastua et al, 2017). Despite knowing about breast cancer and BCE, women in our sample appeared to be unaware of the importance of breast cancer screening methods.…”

“…Breast cancer has the potential to create disharmony and imbalance in the lives of people and their relatives and friends (Flynn & Ormseth, 2011). Some factors such as culture, religion, stigma, and health beliefs can affect cancer screening among women and delay diagnosis and treatment Hatefnia et al, 2010;Islam et al, 2017;Zorogastua et al, 2017). We suggest that partnering with the communities can decrease some of the barriers related to Arab culture-specific barriers like religious beliefs.…”