Mosque-based health promotion among Muslims in Tennessee

Study Purpose

Whether one's interest in the health status of immigrants is based on compassion or merely a pragmatic interest in preservation of the public health, the ever increasing number of Muslim immigrants and non-immigrant residing in Nashville, renders the focus on mosque-based health promotion a key public health issue. This study analyzed focus group and survey data from Muslim residents in the Nashville metropolitan area to determine the potential role of the mosque (house of worship) in health promotion. The survey was administered immediately following four focus group discussions with study participants drawn from a random sample of residents in the local area.

Findings

About 57.6% male and 42% female respondents participated in the study. Although close to 50% have lived in the U.S. for several years, 42% did not have any health insurance coverage. Focus group data revealed interesting themes: programs with potential for success must be based on the Muslim tradition; generational differences about the role of non-Muslim health professionals among this population; need to conceptualize health beyond religious definitions; need for effective leadership, funding, and many more.

Recommendations

Like churches, mosques must be tapped as a setting for health promotion because large numbers of Muslim congregants, some with language barriers can be found in this environment where they are comfortable.

Mosque-based health promotion programs must have cultural and religious sensitivity in order to succeed.