Islamic Medical Research Articles

The Role of Hadith in Islamic Medical Ethics

The Role of Hadith in Islamic Medical Ethics

ROLE OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN SUSTAINING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MALAYSIANS

Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) is widely known among Malaysians for its practices. This paper aims to examine users’ experiences and perceptions of TCM on its role in sustaining the health and well-being of Malaysians. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study was conducted with the respondents by using an online in-depth interview through the video conferencing platform. 15 respondents residing in Penang, Malaysia who used TCM including Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine, and Islamic Medical Practice were recruited for this study. The data from the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic approach was used for data analysis to identify emerging themes and sub-themes. Results indicated five core themes: (i) Strength of traditional beliefs on TCM, (ii) personalised patient-practitioner relationship, (iii) perceived effectiveness of TCM (iv) TCM provides better preventive measures, and (v) TCM promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Here, it concludes that TCM impacts Malaysians’ health and wellbeing. Therefore, its potential for growth and importance, especially for sustaining health and well-being cannot be denied. Further research with a larger sample of respondents is needed to represent the population better while deepening the understanding of users’ experiences and perceptions.

Educational Paradigms in Islamic Medical History: A Review.

The rise of Islam in Arabia witnessed a scientific pursuit from 8th CE to 14th CE in its vast dominion. Medicine was one among many disciplines that was reshaped during the golden ages of Islamic world. Physicians and scholars from diverse faiths and background flocked in learning centers of Baghdad, Cordoba, and other cities. A multicultural environment of medical research was evolved with fundings from state. From medical teaching and clinical training to the licensing of physicians, many of the modern attributes of medical education were pioneered in Islamic world. The scholarly transfusion from European territories of Islamic world to the Western world in medieval era laid the foundation of modern medical education.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of anatomy educational film on increasing its learning productivity in medical students of Islamic Azad University-Tehran Medical Sciences Branch during 2020-21

Evaluation of the effectiveness of anatomy educational film on increasing its learning productivity in medical students of Islamic Azad University-Tehran Medical Sciences Branch during 2020-21

Legitimacy of Child in Pakistan with Special Reference to Islamic Law and Medical Sciences: An Appraisal

Legitimacy of a child is the most sensitive issue to be discussed although there are many issues in relation to the presumption of legitimacy of a child, they remained the same for a long period of time mainly because of the excuse of religion. This research is related to the Legitimacy of a Child in Pakistan reference to Islamic Laws and Medical Science. In Pakistan, the legitimacy of a child is dealt with according to Article 128 of the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984 and Muslim Personal Laws. In this, I discussed the inconsistency of some laws with medical science. I have also proposed some more ways to determine the legitimacy of a child rather than using laws available in Pakistan as a sole entity. It is important to determine the paternity of a child as it leads to succession, maintenance, guardianship, inheritance and much more. This research also highlights the importance of re-formulation of present laws related to the legitimacy of a Child in Pakistan.

Development of Children with Mental Disorders through Islamic Religious Education and Medical Approaches

Development of Children with Mental Disorders through Islamic Religious Education and Medical Approaches

Career Satisfaction and Burnout among American Muslim Physicians.

Background Career satisfaction and burnout among physicians are important to study because they impact healthcare quality, outcomes, and physicians' well-being. Relationships between religiosity and these constructs are underexplored, and Muslim American physicians are an understudied population. Methods To explore relationships between career satisfaction, burnout, and callousness and Muslim physician characteristics, a questionnaire including measures of religiosity, career satisfaction, burnout, callousness, and sociodemographic characteristics was mailed to a random sample of Islamic Medical Association of North America members. Statistical relationships were explored using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. Results There were 255 respondents (41% response rate) with a mean age of 52 years. Most (70%) were male, South Asian (70%), and immigrated to the United States as adults (65%). Nearly all (89%) considered Islam the most or very important part of their life, and 85% reported being somewhat or very satisfied with their career. Multivariate models revealed that workplace accommodation of religious identity is the strongest predictor of career satisfaction (odds ratio [OR]: 2.69, p = 0.015) and that respondents who considered religious practice to be the most important part of their lives had higher odds of being satisfied with their career (OR: 2.21, p = 0.049) and lower odds of burnout (OR: 0.51, p = 0.016). Participants who felt that their religion negatively influenced their relationships with colleagues had higher odds of callousness (OR: 2.25, p = 0.003). Conclusions For Muslim physicians, holding their religion to be the most important part of their life positively associates with career satisfaction and lower odds of burnout and callousness. Critically, perceptions that one's workplace accommodates a physician's religious identity associate strongly with career satisfaction. In this era of attention to physician well-being, the importance of religiosity and religious identity accommodations to positive career outcomes deserves focused policy attention.

Muslim American physicians' experiences with, and views on, religious discrimination and accommodation in academic medicine.

To assess Muslim physician experiences with religious discrimination and identify strategies for better accommodating Muslim identity in health care. Interviews were conducted with Muslim physicians from three US-based Muslim clinician organizations between June and August 2021. In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews used a phenomenological approach to describe experiences of religious discrimination and accommodation. A team-based framework approach to coding was used to inductively generate themes from interview data. Physicians from the Islamic Medical Association of North America, American Muslim Health Professionals, and the US Muslim Physicians group were invited to participate using closed organizational listservs. Inclusion criteria sought English-speaking, self-identifying Muslims with current or past affiliation with a university hospital in the United States. Potential participants were segmented into groups based on responses to questions about perceived religious discrimination and accommodation. Purposive sampling was used to iteratively approach participants within these groups in order to capture a diverse respondent pool. Interviews stopped after thematic saturation was reached. Eighteen physicians (11 women and 7 men; mean age: 41.5 [standard deviation=12.91] years) were interviewed. Nearly all (n= 16) held Islam to be important in their lives. Three overarching themes, with several subthemes, emerged. Participants (1) struggled to maintain religious practices and observances due to unaccommodating organizational structures; (2) experienced religious discrimination, which, in turn, impacted their professional trajectories and, at times, their personal well-being; and (3) believed that institutions could implement specific educational and policy interventions to advance the religious accommodation of Muslims in health care. Muslim physicians frequently encounter religious discrimination, yet there are concrete ways in which health care workplaces can better accommodate their religious needs and combat discrimination. To improve workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion, educational forums and policies that support the religious practices of physicians need to be established.

NGO Efforts and Their Role in the Junior Doctor Plight

Over the years, we are faced with many issues surrounding junior doctors, as they make their way into the professional working platform. To address this matter, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been actively involved to improve the welfare of the fraternity. Among one of the earliest and ongoing concerns frequently brought up is the House Officers (HO) wellbeing, which is said to be associated with high levels of stress leading to mental health problems, and sometimes leaving the medical profession altogether. In Malaysia, the number of HOs not completing training within the allocated time is slowly declining with dropout rates increasing yearly. This causes a lot of constraints on the HO, their family, sponsors, patients, and not to mention our healthcare system. There are many identified reasons for this matter, therefore, the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM)’s HO preparatory course was one of the pioneer courses organised to address this since its commencement in 2010. This module is frequently re-evaluated, and IMAM has actively pursued research on its effectiveness. Next, is the road crash injury among doctors in which IMAM has been involved in addressing this matter by actively seeking dialogues with stakeholders, organising campaigns, workshops and obtaining grants for research in the matter. IMAM on its own or in collaboration has consistently backed efforts to improve wellbeing of the healthcare fraternity. Other efforts include issuing press statements on concerns of unfair treatment of the contract doctors, addressing importance of mental state of doctors during the COVID 19 pandemic and reminding on the dangerous consequences of sleep deprived doctors. The NGO’s role, specifically in IMAM, apart from serving the community is also to be a voice for its members and associates for our overall safety, wellbeing, and the community we serve. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2023 Page: S15

Religious Identity Discrimination in the Physician Workforce: Insights from Two National Studies of Muslim Clinicians in the US.

Discrimination negatively impacts physician career trajectories and well-being. Quantify perceived religious discrimination among US Muslim physicians and compare trends over time. Two national surveys tabulated discrimination. The 2013 survey involved a mailed questionnaire to a random sample of 746 Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) members, while the 2021 survey was administered online to subscribers of IMANA, American Muslim Health Professionals, and the US Muslim Physician network. Eligible participants had to be practicing US Muslim physicians, and English-proficient (the 2021 sample was further restricted to physicians in academic medicine). Questionnaires assessed experiences of religious discrimination and accommodation. In 2013, the 255 participants had a mean age of 52 years, were mostly male (70%), Sunni (91%), South Asian (70%), and adult immigrants (65%). In 2021, the 264 participants had a mean age of 39.5 years, were mostly male (65%) and Sunni (75%). In contrast to 2013, the majority were born in the USA (59%; p<0.01), and respondents were more diverse with 33% South Asians, 22% Arabs, and 16% African Americans. Greater proportions of the 2021 sample reported facing religious discrimination frequently in their career (24 to 53%; p<0.01), experiencing job turnover (7 to 32%; p<0.01), and having patients refuse their care (9 to 33%; p<0.01). A higher proportion of South Asians, Arabs, and participants under the age of 40 reported discrimination and job turnover in 2021 when compared to 2013. Higher proportions of South Asians and Whites reported being passed over for professional advancement and having patients refuse their care in 2021 relative to 2013. Many American Muslim clinicians encounter religious discrimination at the workplace, and these experiences appear to be on the rise. Healthcare workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity programming should include a focus on accommodating the religious identities of physicians.

Hui Medicine: The Sinicized Philosophical Islamic Medical System

Hui Medicine: The Sinicized Philosophical Islamic Medical System

Islamic Medical Practice: A Holistic Approach to Patient Care in Sharia-Compliant Hospitals

Islamic Medical Practice: A Holistic Approach to Patient Care in Sharia-Compliant Hospitals

Determination of Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Cervical Cancer in Mirpur, AJK

Background: Cervical cancer is an important public health issue. Numerous factors are associated with the development of cervical cancer. Aim: To understand various contributory and risk factors associated with the development of cervical cancer in our area. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and place of study: Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College, Mirpur AJK from October 2021 to March 2022. Methods: Volunteering women were included in the study. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. The proforma included demographic and epidemiological information as well as about the various risk factors which were associated with the development of cervical carcinoma. A detailed medical history was taken and special emphasis was placed on the gynecological history including obstetrical and menstrual history as well as sexual and reproductive history together with contraception usage. Results: There were 753 study participants and their mean age was 56.80±10.51years. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 17±2.80 years and the average number of pregnancies was two. About 14.61% of our study population was smoker. Hormonal contraception was practiced by 64.01% while 11.29% preferred intra-uterine contraceptive device as a mode of contraception. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases was 10.49% and out of these diseases, condylomatosis accounted for 05.84% of cases while syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus were responsible for 04.78% of cases collectively. Conclusion: There are various risk factors associated with the development of cervical cancer. Most important of them are younger age at marriage or sexual activity, use and duration of contraception usage and smoking. There is a need to arrange awareness campaigns among masses to raise awareness about the risk factors and also about the benefits of early screening so as to prevent the development of cervical cancer. Keywords: Human Papilloma Virus, Risk Factors, Cervical Cancer, Women, Contraception, Screening

Relationship of Clinical Symptoms, Comorbidities and Treatment Options along with Disease Outcomes in Individuals Tested for COVID-19 in Pakistan: A National Survey

Background: This web-based survey is done to collect and assess data from people tested for COVID-19 with PCR in Pakistan. Methods: This 3-month study is a cross-sectional online survey, conducted by Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRAB) and National Institute of Health (NIH). Data collection was done using Google Forms. People who were tested for COVID-19 using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were included in the study. The sample size of the study was 1,537. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Results: Majority of the respondents belonged to the age group 20 - 39 years. The most common symptoms found were fever 633 (41%), cough 534 (34%), generalized body aches 432 (28%) and sore throat 392 (25%). The mean COVID-19 mental health score was 3.59 (SD: 5.808, range: 0-18). Treatment with antibiotics and painkillers had a strong correlation (p-value &lt; 0.05) with the disease outcomes. The disease outcomes had moderate correlation (p-value &lt; 0.05) with anti-allergy, steroids, plasma and oxygen therapy, and weak correlation (p-value &lt; 0.05) with Antiviral and Antimalarial therapy. Out of the total respondents, 561 (36.1%) were cured from COVID-19, 14 (0.9%) were expired during/after hospitalization, 15 (1%) were still infected and 962 (62%) were not infected. Conclusion: Pakistani population has a better cure rate than some of its neighboring countries. However, further research in this area is required to draw a definite conclusion.

Understanding Doctors’ and Nurses’ Roles in the Islamic Medical Practice and Rukhsah Solah in a Shariah-Compliant Hospital

Introduction: Implementing Islamic medical practice (IMP) within a Shariah-compliant hospital is challenging because of the lack of knowledge and spiritual care among healthcare practitioners (HCPs), especially nurses and doctors. Thus, this study aims to determine the understanding of IMP and the associated factors among HCPs in a Shariah-compliant hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires distributed among nurses and doctors working in a Shariah-compliant hospital in Pahang, Malaysia. Results: A total of 152 nurses and doctors participated in this study. Resultantly, 80.3% (n = 122) of the subjects had a high understanding of IMP, and only 50% (n = 76) had a good level of knowledge regarding rukhsah solah. Furthermore, the participants’ IMP understanding level was associated with their years of working experience, position and gender (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the rukhsah solah was associated with the departments (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings suggested more training on rukhsah solah is essential among HCPs, especially those working in a Shariah-compliant hospital to support the IMP implementation.

Informing the UK Muslim Community on Organ Donation: Evaluating the Effect of a National Public Health Programme by Health Professionals and Faith Leaders

There is a significant shortage of transplantable organs in the UK particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, of which Muslims make a large proportion. The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) held a nationwide series of community gatherings with the aim of describing the beliefs and attitudes to organ donation amongst British Muslims and evaluate the efficacy of a national public health programme on views and uncertainties regarding religious permissibility and willingness to register. Eight public forums were held across the UK between June 2019 and March 2020 by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA). A panel of experts consisting of health professionals and Imams discussed with audiences the procedures, experiences and Islamic ethico-legal rulings on organ donation. Attendees completed a self-administered questionnaire which captured demographic data along with opinions before and after the session regarding religious permissibility and willingness to register given permissibility. A total of 554 respondents across seven UK cities were included with a M:F ratio 1:1.1. Only 45 (8%) respondents were registered as organ donors. Amongst those not registered multiple justifications were detailed, foremost of which was religious uncertainty (73%). Pre-intervention results indicated 50% of respondents were unsure of the permissibility of organ donation in Islam. Of those initially unsure or against permissibility or willingness to register, 72% changed their opinion towards deeming it permissible and 60% towards a willingness to register indicating a significant change in opinion (p < 0.001). The effectiveness of our interventions suggests further education incorporating faith leaders alongside local healthcare professionals to address religious and cultural concerns can reduce uncertainty whilst improving organ donation rates among the Muslim community.

Humanitarian aid involvement factors among IMARET volunteers

In many domains, core activities of people’s lives would be disrupted if volunteers were not present to provide much-needed help especially medical-based mobile clinics that rely heavily on the labour of volunteers. This study was designed to identify the factors related to humanitarian aid involvement of volunteers, to discover the background of volunteers attending Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET) mobile clinic and outreach mission and to determine the association between the humanitarian aid involvement factors and the background of volunteers. This cross-sectional study used Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI) scale to measure the motivation factors of volunteers and total of 178 volunteers were recruited. Among the six motivation factors such as values, protective, understanding, enhancement, security and social factors being studied, understanding factor was found out to be the highest factor that motivated the volunteers. Based on the Fisher’s Exact Test, the motivation factors were found to have no association with the demographic data of volunteers. This study suggests that non-profit organisations should be aware that people joining volunteering or humanitarian aid work were not influenced by their sociodemographic characteristics.

Relationship of Glycemic Control with Level of Blood Pressure amongst Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Inadequate control of glycemia in type-II diabetic patients is an important community health issue and a risk factor for the progression of problems among diabetic patients. Hypertension is a common disease accompanying diabetes. Among patients with diabetes mellitus; high blood pressure is an important factor involved in poor glycemic control which has not been adequately assessed in Pakistan. Aim: The main goal was to evaluate the glycemic control status in type II diabetic patient depending on the basis of blood pressure levels. Place and Duration: In Medicine Department of Islamic International Hospital and Medical College, Islamabad for the duration of six months from January 2021 to June 2021. Methods: 220 adult patients &gt;18 years of age with type-II diabetes mellitus were included. Patients with conditions such as liver cirrhosis, systemic infection, pregnant females, end-stage renal disease and those who were not observing diabetes treatment, counting exercise, dietary restrictions and medication, they were omitted from the anlaysis. By evaluating medical records; the patient’s demographic information was obtained which includes medical history, patient age, clinical history, gender, hypertension and type of DM in addition to the assessment of blood sugar level control. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS 20.0. Results: The patients mean age was 58.10 ± 10.94 years with 35-80 years of age range. Of 220 patients, 145 (65.9%) had hypertension and 75 (34.1%) had normal blood pressure, and 7.72 ± 1.28 years was the patient’s mean duration of hypertension. The males have the HbA1c levels of 7.11 ±1.34 and 7.81 ±1.58 in females. In the hypertensive group of patients; mean HbA1c was higher significantly in comparison to the normal blood pressure group (p = 0.003). The HbA1c mean levels were also higher significantly among hypertensive patients with duration for over ten years (p = 0.04) and in subjects using diuretics (p = 0.03) and beta-blockers (p = 0.006) as an antihypertensive drug. Among patients with normal body mass index and nutritional recommendations, the mean (± SD) HbA1c in patients with hypertension was 5.13 ± 0.03 compared with patients with normal blood pressure (p = 0.00007). Conclusions: The control of Glycemia in type II diabetic patients is poor with hypertension. There is a complex relation of various factors, including gender, age, hypertension duration, and drugs that strongly effect control of glycemia among hypertensive patients and type-II diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, HbA1c

The Splenic Artery and Segmental Branches Morphometric Study in Humanoid Cadaver Spleens by Method of Dissection

Human spleen has various functions including immune system regulation and haematopoisis. The spleen is an extremely vascularized and fragile organ. It is the second major lymphatic organ, containing 25% of lymphoid tissue in the body, and has haematologic and immunologic roles. Objective: To understand the segmental branches morphometry of the polar and splenic arteries. Methods: The analysis was performed on 86 spleens collected from adult human cadavers of not known gender, stored in 10% formalin solution. In the Department of Anatomy, Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College (MIMC), Mirpur, Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Women Medical and Dental College Hospitals, Abbottabad for six- months duration from July-December 2021 Results: In 59 (68.6%) spleen samples; there were 2 primary branches, 23 (26.7%) samples had three primary branches, and 4 (4.7%) specimens had four primary branches. 20 (23.3%) samples had superior polar arteries, 34 (39.5%) had inferior polar arteries, and both inferior and superior polar arteries in 7 (8.1%) samples. The inferior polar artery length ranged from 0.9-5.90 cm, with 3.17 cm of average length and 3.30 cm median length. The superior PB diameter ranged from 0.8-4.12 mm, with 2.20 mm average length and 2.4 mm median length. The mean diameter of middle PB ranged from 0.8 mm to 3.6 mm, with an average of 2.10 mm and 2.4 mm median length. The superior polar artery diameter ranged from 0.5-3.1 mm, with 1.40 mm average length and 1.4 mm of median. The inferior polar artery diameter varies from 0.5-2.9 mm, with 1.3 mm of an average diameter with 1.4 mm median. Conclusions: As various splenic sparing surgeries depend on a better information of the vascular anatomy of the spleen, this analysis enhances the current information about the segmental branches’ morphometry of the splenic artery.

Perceptions, Preferences and Demographic Profile of Females Regarding Contraception Choices in an Urban Setting

Background: Being a developing country, fertility rates are high in our country while contraception use is sub-optimal. Aim: To assess the factors and perceptions of women of reproductive age influencing their choice of contraceptive method as well as the prevalence of contraception. Duration &amp; place of study: Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College, Mirpur, AJK from January to June 2021 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, females of child-bearing age were selected. They were divided into various groups based on different parameters. Pre-structured and a pre-validated proforma was used to collect data. Results: Most of the females, 74.88%, were between the ages of 21-40 years. Most of the women were literate and 50.51% had completed their matriculation. Majority of them, about 49.69%, have 2-4 children. The working status revealed that 74.95% women were house wives while only 25% were doing a job and 85.06% were Muslims. The proportion of women belonging to low-income group was only 8.76% while the average was almost similar for women belonging to middle- and high-income group. Media exposure was quite high in the study subjects with about 92.60% reported to have had media exposure. Conclusion: There is restricted and reduced use of contraceptive methods among our study subjects. Among those who use contraception, preferred methods are short acting ones. Keywords: Contraception, women, method choice, family, planning