Malaysian Occupational Therapists’ Perspective on Prayer Activity of Muslim Clients

Abstract

Introduction: Investigation on spiritual issue in healthcare practice received less attention. Muslims valued pray activity or known as salat as one of the important daily activity. However, negligible study is available on salat as the end goal of occupational therapy intervention. This study aims to investigate the awareness and the impact of Muslim-culture on occupational therapists in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted via internet-based and manual paper-andpencil survey throughout occupational therapists in Malaysia. Descriptive and inferential statistics using percentage, Cronbach's alpha and Chi-square was implemented on the findings. Results: In total, 119 occupational therapists responded. The questionnaire has overall internal consistency of α = 0.74. Occupational therapists have positive perceptions on spiritual activity but poorly translated into service implementation and faced challenges. Factors such as level of education, years of experience, religion, working location and work setting were significant on the awareness, perception, practice and challenges. Cultural-based practice is challenging for occupational therapy even in the majority-practice context. Occupational therapists should differentiate between belief and activity in spiritual issue to provide a better assistance for the clients. Conclusion: This study showed continuing education is desired to drive the occupational therapy profession for a better cultural-sensitivity service delivery.

Overview of reviews of standardised occupation‐based instruments for use in occupational therapy practice

“…Similar issues are present for spirituality issues (Morris, 2013;Romli & Wan Yunus, 2016). A study found occupational therapists have a high awareness of the importance of client participation in spiritual activities, but this is also poorly translated into practice (Romli & Wan Yunus, 2016).…”

“…Sexuality is considered an important occupation but the translation into practice either through curriculum or clinical practice is a challenge amongst occupational therapists (Jones, Weerakoon & Pynor, 2005;Lohman, Kobrin & Chang, 2017). Similar issues are present for spirituality issues (Morris, 2013;Romli & Wan Yunus, 2016). A study found occupational therapists have a high awareness of the importance of client participation in spiritual activities, but this is also poorly translated into practice (Romli & Wan Yunus, 2016).…”

Assessment of Accessibility Preparation for People with Special Needs at Al Ahsa Mosques

“…According to occupational therapy practice framework, it describes spiritual activities and expression as "activities that allow a sense of connectedness to something larger than oneself or that are specially meaningful" (p.S22) (2). Disability is defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as "an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations and participation restriction (3). Praying (Salat) is very important aspect of the Muslim's daily activities according to the fact that praying five times a day is a mandatory act and it is seen as a ritual activity, any kind of disability could prevent us from performing this activity (World Health Organization (WHO) (2).…”

“…Praying (Salat) is very important aspect of the Muslim's daily activities according to the fact that praying five times a day is a mandatory act and it is seen as a ritual activity, any kind of disability could prevent us from performing this activity (World Health Organization (WHO) (2). From an occupational therapy perspective, for a disabled Muslim, accessibility to mosques is essential to pray (3). The occupational therapist should help any Muslims who have any kind of disability to engage to in their spiritual activity (Salat) (4).…”