AN EXPLORATION OF AN IMAM’S PERSPECTIVE: THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN SUPPORTING DIABETES SELF CARE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

There is growing interest in engaging faith-based organizations and religious leaders in supporting congregant chronic disease management. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it is the second highest in the Middle East. The country has the seventh highest T2DM world-wide prevalence of diabetes. Imams are the community religious leaders in Saudi Arabia with established, often ongoing, relationships with congregants: However, scant research has been focused on the role of Imams in supporting disease management and no research focused on T2DM self-care as may be supported by Imams in Saudi Arabia. This qualitative study is aimed to explore cultural and religious barriers and facilitators associated with adherence to diabetes self- care by exploring Imams’ knowledge and perceptions of diabetes self-care, and the potential role these religious leaders play in the promotion of adherence to diabetes self- care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nineteen Imams who deliver the Friday’s sermon. A purposeful snowball sampling strategy was used. A thematic analysis vii (TA) approach allowed for the identification of the themes and their respective categories. The study findings revealed Imams had a perceived low level of health-relative knowledge about T2DM and its risk factors. Some participants were unaware of the significance of self-care in managing T2DM. Several participants additionally reported that the Saudi lifestyle and religious beliefs impacted health care seeking behavior, diet, and exercise. Identified barriers to adhering to diabetes self-care included potential religious misconceptions about Islamic concepts such as reliance on God, being patient, and destiny. This study provides significant insights into the religious-cultural determinants of T2DM self-care and the potential role of Imams. These findings suggest if the Imams in Saudi Arabia are provided with relevant education, this could be an impetus for congregant support, motivation, and correction of religious misconceptions in relation to T2DM self-care. These study findings overall can serve as a guide for healthcare providers and policymakers in developing effective interventions to promote T2DM self-care within the Saudi community.