Impact of Race and Culture on Vitamin D
Deficiency in Muslims
Saida Abdul-Aziz, RN, BSHA
University of Phoenix
COURSE CONTENT
•Web based lecture series with podcast link
•Risk factors
• Deficiency related spectrum of illnesses
•Lifestyle modifications or treatment
options
•Algorithm
RISK GROUPS
•Critical role to human health
•Diagnosis with serious illness
•Populations at greatest risk
• Dark skinned people
•Living above or below 37 degrees latitude
• Women who cover
for religion or culture
MUSLIM CULTURE
• Various ethnic groups comprise Muslim
culture.
• Way of life governing all social discourse
• Cultural health beliefs intertwined
with religious belief
SHARED BELIEFS
AND VALUES
• Touch is legislated even for a dead body
• Most babies breastfed at least 2 years
• Curative properties of black seed
• Fasting is a pillar of faith
• Jinn a 3rd being that can affect health
• Persistent generalized symmetrical,
musculoskeletal pain with gradual onset
• Bone pain in lower back or lower limbs
• Fatigue, muscular weakness
• Normal ROM with absence of
inflammatory signs in the painful areas
ADULT DEFICIENCY
• Tender swollen joints, classically wrists
• Deformities, bone pain or tenderness
• Bow legs or knock knees
• Impaired growth, delayed fontanelle
closure
• Delayed eruption of teeth
• Fits or irritability
• Breathing difficulties with rapid growth
CHILDHOOD DEFICIENCY
CULTURE CENTERED
RESEARCH SUPPORT
• Bachrach, S., Fisher, J, &Parks, J.S. (1979). An outbreak of vitamin D
deficiency rickets in a susceptible population. Pediatrics.
64(6), 971-888. Retrieved October 16, 2009 from
EBSCOhost database University of Phoenix.
• Reed, S.D.L., Laya, M.B., Melville, J. Ismail, S. Y., Mitchell, C. M. &
Ackerman, D. R. (2007). Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency
and clinical associations among veiled East African women in
Washington state. Journal of Women’s Health.
16 (2), 206-215. Retrieved October 16 3009 from
EBSCOhost database University of Phoenix.
Implications for Practice
•Be informed about existing evidence
Right click to open podcast from an expert
•Test your knowledge
Right click to open quiz and test your knowledge
•Identify risk among your students
Right click to open risk assessment questionnaire
•Use the algorithm in clinical decision making
Right click to open algorithm