The role of Muslim faith-based programs in transforming the lives of people suffering with mental health and addiction problems

Respect for Religiosity: Review of Faith Integration in Health and Wellbeing Interventions with Muslim Minorities

“…The content of the interventions was communicated via sermon scripts, group discussions, manuals, presentations, workbook, and booklets (King et al 2017;Padela et al 2018aPadela et al , 2019. Few investigators included mentorship, guidance, social work intervention or counselling for the participants (Jozaghi et al 2016). Multiple ways were considered in most interventions when the content was communicated with Muslims (Padela et al 2019;Zoellner et al 2018).…”

Faith Communities’ Improvements in Readiness to Engage in Addictions Resilience and Recovery Support Programming

“…Researchers also provide insight on how all forms of stigma create or exacerbate obstacles to seeking help for people with substance use problems (Livingston et al, 2012 ; Wogen & Restrepo, 2020 ). For example, Jozaghi et al ( 2016 ) found that sense of shame alongside stigma are barriers to engaging in mental health-seeking behaviors in Muslim faith communities. In a study of African American churches representing a range of denominations, Wong et al ( 2018 ) found that 50% of churches identified individual embarrassment to receiving treatment as a top barrier for securing support for substance use disorders.…”

A call for action for mental health intervention and support for refugees who escape internal conflicts or war

“…There is a lack of interest, focus, and resources allocated for treatments of psychological signs and symptoms commonly linked with PTSD, such as somatic symptoms, sleep disorders, and panic disorders (Pottie et al 2011). Although some health policy makers recommend against early discussions of mental health for new arrivals who have survived traumatic circumstances, for disclosure purposes-since there is a risk of inducing or triggering traumatic experiences, in addition to shame, stigma, and concerns of confidentiality (Pottie et al 2011)-educating new refugees in their spoken language with appropriate cultural and religious reflections about the signs and symptoms of mental health deterioration is a key step that is often overlooked (Jozaghi et al 2016;Rifat et al 2008;Scull et al 2014).…”

“…To engage with and assist vulnerable populations such as refugees, who may be reluctant to seek medical help and access conventional health care systems, establishing trust, education, and promoting health care via culturally sensitive approaches has shown to be exceptionally effective (Jozaghi et al 2016;Rifat et al 2008). For example, numerous studies have reported the significant impact that community-based, culturally sensitive, and faith-based programs can play in delivering effective public health programs to marginalized and at-risk refugee and migrant populations (Jozaghi et al 2016;Rifat et al 2008;Scull et al 2014). Through these approaches, it is ensured that the religious, personal, and cultural values of these populations are acknowledged and respected.…”