Exploring the Feasibility of Implementing Mosque-Based Health Promotion Programs: A Mixed Methods Approach

Authors

Bandar Sulaiman AlsaifFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Public Health

First Advisor's Name

Elena Bastida

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Wasim Maziak

Second Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Boubakari Ibrahimou

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Consuelo Beck-Sagué

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Fifth Advisor's Name

Shanna Burke

Fifth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

Muslim Health, Faith-based, Muslim, Mixed Methods, Mosques, Stigma, Stereotype, Stress

Date of Defense

3-20-2019

Abstract

There is a paucity of literature on health interventions and implementation of faith-based programs, designed to manage chronic diseases in Muslim populations. Largely, this results from the partial empirical data on US Muslim socio demographics and health conditions, which remain regional and limited in scope, hence lacking in providing the necessary foundation for intervention design. Feasibility studies, such as the one conducted in this dissertation, provide essential information for designing health interventions in the South Florida Muslim community.

This research effort, preliminary and focused in scope, produced a feasibility study to assess the health status and needs of mosque attendees, while also examining the mosque as a site for future health interventions in South Florida. It consisted of three aims and employed a mixed method design.

The first aim built on a multi-cluster survey design, to assess the health status and behavioral practices of Muslim mosque attendees. The second aim employed focus groups to expand on the survey findings, while also seeking new information on the feasibility of the mosque as an intervention site. Finally, the third aim relied on interview data to investigate mosque organizational structures and their underlying relevance to planning and implementing a mosque intervention.

Findings from the survey phase indicated that participants were ethnically diverse, in early middle age, highly educated, with stable income and health insurance. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure were among the most commonly reported health conditions. Results highlight the influence of stereotyping and stigma on mental health and stress.

Three major themes emerged from focus group and interview data analysis: Islam and health; the mosque as an intervention site; and, environmental stressors. Participants acknowledged the influence of Islam on their life activities, and were strongly interested in implementing health programs at the mosque to address physical activity, nutrition, mental health, gender related issues and marital and psychological counseling.

Findings from this research are expected to contribute the foundation for the design and implementation of mosque-based interventions, while also contributing to basic research identifying highest-priority health conditions and behaviors for Muslim Mosque attendees.

Identifier

FIDC010997

Recommended Citation

Alsaif, Bandar Sulaiman, "Exploring the Feasibility of Implementing Mosque-Based Health Promotion Programs: A Mixed Methods Approach" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5237.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5237