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Hanan Gabry, MSN, RN, College of Nursing and Health Science - PhD Program, George Mason University, 3C4, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-352-0265, hgabry1@gmu.edu
The number of Middle Easterners in the U.S. has increased during the past decade. In 1998, it was estimated that more than three million Arabs live in the United States. By 2003, the number increased to seven million Muslims in the USA, more than double in less than five years. Despite the increasing number of Arabic immigrants in the United States, empirical information on their health beliefs and behaviors has been scarce. The lack of information about minority women’s health needs is a concern. The health needs for Arabic women are not well understood or information is inadequate because of linguistic and cultural limitations. Women who emigrate from Arabic countries to the United States bring with them beliefs surrounding what facilitates a good pregnancy and its outcome, as well as negative behaviors that sometimes may be difficult to avoid. In addition, living in a foreign country can produce stressors for the pregnant woman that can affect health as well. These immigrants need culturally relevant services that are attuned to their beliefs and values. This presentation will describe a project that addresses the assessment and information about pregnancy for Arabic women. A sample of Arabic women from the Northern Virginia region will complete a culturally relevant translated questionnaire about their health beliefs and practices, and be given an information pamphlet related to having a healthy baby. Evaluation data will be presented.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Prenatal Care, Immigrant Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.