Associations Between Social and Religious Characteristics and the Use of Religion-Based and Complementary Healing Practices Among Muslim Women in Chicago: A Cross-Sectional Community Survey

Abstract

Introduction:

Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is used by many populations for healing purposes. For Muslims, these methods include religiously sourced and spiritually based practices, such as consuming herbs and foods mentioned by Prophet Muhammad and performing specific worship activities believed to hasten healing. This paper examined the use of T&CM among American Muslim women and the associations between sociodemographic and religious characteristics and such use.

Materials and Methods:

This was an exploratory, cross-sectional survey among English-speaking, adult Muslim women recruited from Chicago mosques and community centers. Participants completed a self-administered survey with items assessing sociodemographic and religious characteristics, as well as usage of traditional complementary and alternative treatments. Descriptive statistics were tabulated, ANOVA and Pearson’s chi-squared tests were used to assess bivariate relationships, and multivariate linear and ordered logistic regression models were used to determine associations between outcome variables—religious and nonreligiously sourced complementary and alternative modalities—and independent variables.

Results:

A total of 254 participants completed the survey. Approximately 70% of participants employed Prophetic medicine, and 50% consulted an alternative healer when facing a health problem. Several sociodemographic and religious factors were associated with the use of complementary/alternative modalities. Notably, immigrants had higher odds of using treatments sourced in sayings of the Prophet Muhammad than those who were born in the U.S. (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p < 0.039), whereas those who had lived longer in the U.S. had lower odds of using complementary/alternative modalities than individuals whose duration of stay was shorter (OR = 0.33, p < 0.031). With regard to religiosity, participants with negative religious coping had lower odds of using folk methods (OR = 1.16, p < 0.001) but had higher odds of using nonreligious T&CM (OR = 1.15, p < 0.002).

Conclusion:

Many American Muslim women utilize T&CM for healing, with the most prevalent modalities being Prophetic medicine and worship activities. T&CM use appears to be associated with demographic features. Further research to unpack the surrounding behavioral and decisional contexts of T&CM, specifically whether it is used integratively or in lieu of allopathic methods, and by whom, is needed.