Health beliefs and behaviors of Saudi women
Ide, B.A.; Sanli, T.
Women and Health 19(1): 97-113
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-0242 PMID: 1475998 DOI: 10.1300/j013v19n01_06Document Number: 327835
This study describes the types of knowledge and beliefs held by 50 Saudi women during 1984-85 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Interviews were conducted in Arabic at 2 urban community health clinics and 1 urban pediatric clinic by bilingual female Egyptian and Saudi nursing faculty members. The study women believed in the tenets of Wahhabism, a conservative version of Islam prevalent in Saudi Arabia. All wore complete vessel in public and traveled in the company of a female or family member. A pilot study with 11 Saudi women was used to develop the questionnaire, which focused on 8 illnesses and their symptoms. Health beliefs referred to beliefs about the severity, prevention, and cure of illness. Health status and illness-related knowledge and behavior were also queried. Sociodemographic data were also requested for respondent, spouse, and children, age, marital status, educational level, household size, and family type. The sample was 82% women 40 years and 80% married (18% divorced). 36% lived in shared households (16%) or extended families, and 48% were members of nuclear families. 36% were illiterate and 44% had only a primary education. The influence of the evil eye belief may be reflected in the belief that 70% reported their family's health about the same as others. 54% of the women reported family members having a respiratory illness within the last 4 weeks, but only 24% recognized the "air" as a means of transmission. Common childhood illnesses were recognized. There was less familiarity with tuberculosis or chest disease; around 25% would rely on a doctor for a diagnosis. Vaccinations were considered necessary, and children's health was valued. God was believed to be the primary cause of illness by 10% and to be a contributory cause by 20-30%. More than 50% believed that extreme shifts in temperature were the cause of diarrhea, chest disease, and epistaxis. Measles and diarrhea were viewed as serious diseases. Modern medicine's impact may be reflected in the few who recognized germs as a cause of disease and mentioned, several causes for diseases. In general, little understanding was shown for causes of various illnesses or the rationale for prevention in vaccination. Among these women prevention may be a concept which conflicts with God's will.