Search

Breast cancer, the most common cancer among Arab women in Qatar, significantly affects the morbidity and mortality of Arab women largely because of low participation rates in breast cancer screening. We used a critical ethnographic approach to uncover and describe factors that influence Arab women’s breast cancer screening practices. We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 health care practitioners in Qatar. Through thematic analysis of the data, we found three major factors influencing breast cancer screening practices: (a) beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding women’s bodies, health, and illness; (b) religious beliefs and a culturally sensitive health care structure; and (c) culturally specific gender relations and roles. Arab women’s health practices cannot be understood in isolation from the sociocultural environment. The problem of low rates of breast cancer screening practices and supportive interventions must be addressed within the context and not be limited to the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada's rising immigrant population has led to an increasing number of nursing students for whom English is an"additional language" (EAL). Although many of these students are successful academically, there is a persistent small number who struggle due to their limited English-language skills and their different cultural knowledge and practices. Despite the difficulties they experience, the students' desire to enter the nursing profession remains strong. A qualitative study was undertaken to identify factors that influence these students' academic performance from the perspectives of the students themselves and their instructors. Fourteen EAL nursing students were interviewed. Analysis of the interview data revealed factors that influenced the students' experiences in their nursing programs.The authors describe the students' perspectives on the challenges and motivators they encountered in their nursing programs. They also recommend strategies that could help EAL students to achieve success in their nursing studies.