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Awaad R, Midani M, Ali T, Sifat MS, Albatnuni M. The Development and Implementation of a Custom-Tailored Suicide Response Training for Muslim Communities. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:1954-1966. [PMID: 38532031 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Research indicates that the suicide attempt rate among American Muslims is at least twice the rate of the national US average and follows a different trend of suicide behavior compared to other groups. Religious leaders, such as Imams, are commonly sought out for support, but many lack training in mental health crisis management. The Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab created the Muslim Community Suicide Response Manual and its accompanying training modules to address this issue. This paper describes the creation, evolution, and future directions of the Suicide Response Training from an Islamic perspective to reduce suicide risk in Muslim communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Awaad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Mona Midani
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Tasmeer Ali
- Counseling Department, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Munjireen S Sifat
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | - Mawdah Albatnuni
- Educational and Counseling Psychology, Room 614, Education Building, 3700 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada
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Awaad R, Hussein A, Durrani Z, Shareef S. The Development of a Novel Suicide Postvention Healing Model for Muslim Communities in the United States of America. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:1002-1016. [PMID: 38006521 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Suicide among American Muslims is understudied, despite recent research highlighting increased suicide attempts among this population. While suicide is forbidden in Islam, formal guidelines for addressing and responding to suicide within Muslim communities did not exist until recently. The Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab has responded to a number of suicides in Muslim communities across North America and implemented an original model for suicide response and community healing. This approach incorporates Islamic principles and values to create a culturally and religiously congruent response to suicide that can support loss survivors and steer impacted communities toward healing. The Muslim Postvention Community Healing session described in this paper aims to provide a safe space for individuals impacted by suicide to come together and process their emotions, while also using Islamic teachings to guide the healing process. This unique model has the potential to serve as a valuable resource for Muslim communities across North America, and beyond, in addressing and responding to suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Awaad
- Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Maristan, San Francisco Bay Area, Hayward, CA, USA.
| | - Anwar Hussein
- Department of Psychology, The University of Akron, 290 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Zuha Durrani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sana Shareef
- Department of Bioethics, School of Professional Studies, Columbia University, 2970 Broadway, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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Elahi S, Elsayed D, Ali S, Awaad R. Ethnic Differences in Muslim Women's Mental Health Beliefs, Rejection Attitudes, and Familiarity with Professional Mental Healthcare. Ment Health Relig Cult 2024; 26:890-907. [PMID: 38585328 PMCID: PMC10997350 DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2023.2243459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Prior work on Muslims' mental health help-seeking factors has emphasized their rejection attitudes, religious and cultural beliefs, and familiarity with mental health (Aloud & Rathur, 2009; Ali et al., 2021). However, no research has examined differences in these factors across different Muslim ethnic groups, and particularly among Muslim women. 1214 Muslim women living in the USA completed online questionnaires. Data was stratified based on history of mental health visits to control for previous service utilization. MANOVAs assessed ethnic group differences in beliefs, familiarity, and rejection attitudes toward professional mental healthcare. Results revealed significant differences between ethnic groups in all three factors; these differences depended on the women's history of service utilization. Findings suggest that barriers to accessing professional mental healthcare differ among Muslim ethnic groups. Results are discussed in light of clinical implications and other contributing factors to the underutilization of professional mental healthcare among ethnically diverse American Muslim women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Elahi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Danah Elsayed
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - Sara Ali
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rania Awaad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
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Kiærbech H, Broderstad AR, Silviken A, Lorem GF, Kristiansen RE, Spein AR. The association of religious factors with mental health-service utilisation and satisfaction in a mixed Sámi and Norwegian adult population: Adopting the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2223422. [PMID: 37331011 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2223422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Indigenous Sámi have poorer mental health than the majority population and fairly equal access to professional mental healthcare. Despite this condition, certain studies indicate that this group is underrepresented among the users of such services. Religion or spirituality (R/S) often influences mental health-service utilisation and satisfaction among other Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities. Thus, this study examines the situation in Sámi-Norwegian areas. We utilised cross-sectional data from the population-based SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey (2012; subsample n = 2,364; 71% non-Sámi) in mixed Sámi-Norwegian regions of Northern and Central Norway. We analysed the associations between R/S factors and past-year mental health-service utilisation and satisfaction among individuals reporting mental health problems, substance use, or addictive behaviours. Multivariable-adjusted regression models considering sociodemographic factors, including Sámi ethnicity, were applied. Religious attendance was significantly associated with infrequent past-year use of mental health services (OR = 0.77) and fewer mental health problems, indicating that the R/S fellowship may buffer mental distress and represent an alternative psychological support to professional services. R/S was not significantly associated with lifetime mental health-service satisfaction. We found no ethnic differences in service utilisation or satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Kiærbech
- Mental Health and Addiction Clinic, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Mental Health and Addiction Clinic, Finnmark Hospital Trust, Alta, Norway
| | - Ann Ragnhild Broderstad
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, UiT - the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne Silviken
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, UiT - the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
- Sámi Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Mental Health and Substance Use (SANKS), Finnmark Hospital Trust, Karasjok, Norway
| | | | - Roald E Kristiansen
- Department of Archaeology, History, Religious Studies, and Theology, UiT, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anna Rita Spein
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, UiT - the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
- Sámi Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Mental Health and Substance Use (SANKS), Finnmark Hospital Trust, Karasjok, Norway
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Mudryk EP, Johnson LR. The impact of religiousness and beliefs about mental illness on help-seeking behaviors of Muslim Americans. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:1208-1222. [PMID: 36465019 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the typical challenges of daily life, Muslim Americans have experienced high levels of stress and clinical disorders relating to discrimination from the 9/11 attacks and ongoing political stigma. Despite mounting mental health concerns, Muslim Americans have encountered multifaceted barriers to accessing mental health services and remain underserved. AIMS This study sought to explore the relationship between religiousness and beliefs about mental illness among Muslim Americans to predict their clinical help-seeking attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study gathered a nationwide sample of Muslim Americans through online data collection to assess how the relationship between religiousness and help-seeking was mediated by acculturation and biomedical beliefs about mental illness. RESULTS Analyses found that Islamic religiousness and biomedical beliefs predicted more openness to mental health treatment. Additional analyses found that integration with mainstream culture was correlated with higher confidence in services. DISCUSSION The findings of this study provide clinicians a nuanced understanding of how biological beliefs about mental illness may align with Islamic spiritual values and foster culturally responsive communication and healthcare. Barriers to treatment may be addressed for males and other underserved demographics through integrated treatment that recognizes their understandings of health, illness, and treatment. CONCLUSION Overall, results of the study provide support for recognizing religion along with demographic background as a cultural consideration to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah P Mudryk
- Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Laura R Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
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Siddiq H, Elhaija A, Wells K. An Integrative Review of Community-Based Mental Health Interventions Among Resettled Refugees from Muslim-Majority Countries. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:160-174. [PMID: 35751790 PMCID: PMC9244342 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Resettled refugees from Muslim-majority countries are underrepresented in research and meeting their mental health needs remains a challenge for countries of resettlement. In this integrative review, we synthesize community-based mental health interventions using an ecological framework. Eleven relevant studies were identified using PubMed and PsychInfo database. Most interventions focus on micro-system level factors like promoting integration and social connections suggest improvement of outcomes including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Studies suggest how mental health programs addressing psychosocial wellbeing improves outcomes across ecological levels through: (1) early screening upon resettlement; (2) education and raising awareness of mental health; and (3) engagement of refugees in local community social support systems. Largely qualitative studies suggest benefits of engagement and education program for refugees, but there is a need for high quality, rigorous mental health intervention studies with resettled refugees with explicit attention to equitable and collaborative partnerships across multiple sectors in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafifa Siddiq
- School of Nursing, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1748 E. 118th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, 1100 Glendon Ave. Suite 900, Los Angeles, 90024, USA.
| | - Ahmad Elhaija
- University of California, Los Angeles, 1100 Glendon Ave. Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Kenneth Wells
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California , Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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Awaad R, Obaid E, Kouser T, Ali S. Addressing Mental Health Through Community Partnerships in a Muslim Community. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:96-99. [PMID: 36065581 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The mental health of American Muslims remains significantly understudied and unaddressed, despite known obstacles to Muslims' utilization of mental health services, such as stigma and institutional mistrust. Since the inception of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab in 2014, partnerships across the Bay Area were formed among key Muslim community establishments to address obstacles to good mental health. Through a community-centered approach, diverse stakeholders engaged to identify and address the community's most pressing mental health challenges. Successful outcomes of this approach include facilitated research and mental health initiatives to support the Bay Area Muslim community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Awaad
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Eiman Obaid
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Taimur Kouser
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sara Ali
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Ali S, Mahmood A, McBryde-Redzovic A, Humam F, Awaad R. Role of Mosque Communities in Supporting Muslims with Mental Illness: Results of CBPR-oriented Focus Groups in the Bay Area, California. Psychiatr Q 2022; 93:985-1001. [PMID: 36322232 PMCID: PMC9628571 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-022-10002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to explore perspectives of Muslims residing in the Bay Area, California on the role of the mosque community in supporting community members' mental health needs and barriers to mental health care for members who experience mental health challenges. Methods This study employed a CBPR-focused qualitative approach in the form of content analysis of three focus group discussions organized and conducted with the help of a Community Advisory Board made up of members of the Muslim Community Association. Results Two major themes were identified upon examination of the data: services needed in the mosque community and barriers to addressing mental health issues in the mosque community. Specifically, participants reported wanting support groups within the mosque space, mosque-based activities, virtual support, community social workers, and family-oriented services. Barriers reported included community stigma, lack of cultural awareness of race-ethnic minorities within the community, attribution of mental illness to lack of faith or supernatural causes, and specific barriers unique to vulnerable/special subgroups within the community. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for developing mental health-related services and social support initiatives within the mosque space, specifically for those Muslim Americans living in the Bay Area in California. Furthermore, special attention needs to be placed on the barriers to accessing these services as identified by the community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ali
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Services, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Aafreen Mahmood
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Aminah McBryde-Redzovic
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Fairuziana Humam
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Rania Awaad
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
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