Religiosity, Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors, and Treatment Utilization Among Muslim Populations in America
Abstract
Despite the emphasis Islam gives to mental health practices including prayer and meditation, Muslim populations in the United States, on average, do not seek professional mental health services. Little research has been conducted on the relationship between religion and mental health help-seeking behaviors and treatment utilization among Muslims. This study aims to investigate the utilization of mental health services in Muslim populations. We hypothesize that Muslims with higher levels of religiosity will be less likely to seek professional mental health help or support.
Data was utilized from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Mental health disorders included low mood, anxiety, and PTSD. Inclusion criteria was adults who self-identified as Muslim. Religiosity was defined as currently attending religious services at a mosque and frequency of attendance. Professional help and support variables included: 1) talking to a mental health professional; 2) seeking self-help or support group; 3) emergency room visit; 4) inpatient visit; and 5) prescribed medication. Demographic descriptives and frequencies will be reported. Data will be stratified by mental health disorder. Correlational analysis will determine significant relationships between religiosity and help-seeking behaviors. Independent t-tests will be conducted to determine significant differences in frequency of attendance of religious services. A p value ≤ .05 was set as statistically significant.
Understanding the mental health help-seeking behaviors of Muslims and how religiosity will shed light on an underrepresented population in the literature. This can better inform future initiatives to connect Muslims with quality mental healthcare.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christi M. Navarro
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Religiosity, Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors, and Treatment Utilization Among Muslim Populations in America
Alvin Sherman Library
Despite the emphasis Islam gives to mental health practices including prayer and meditation, Muslim populations in the United States, on average, do not seek professional mental health services. Little research has been conducted on the relationship between religion and mental health help-seeking behaviors and treatment utilization among Muslims. This study aims to investigate the utilization of mental health services in Muslim populations. We hypothesize that Muslims with higher levels of religiosity will be less likely to seek professional mental health help or support.
Data was utilized from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Mental health disorders included low mood, anxiety, and PTSD. Inclusion criteria was adults who self-identified as Muslim. Religiosity was defined as currently attending religious services at a mosque and frequency of attendance. Professional help and support variables included: 1) talking to a mental health professional; 2) seeking self-help or support group; 3) emergency room visit; 4) inpatient visit; and 5) prescribed medication. Demographic descriptives and frequencies will be reported. Data will be stratified by mental health disorder. Correlational analysis will determine significant relationships between religiosity and help-seeking behaviors. Independent t-tests will be conducted to determine significant differences in frequency of attendance of religious services. A p value ≤ .05 was set as statistically significant.
Understanding the mental health help-seeking behaviors of Muslims and how religiosity will shed light on an underrepresented population in the literature. This can better inform future initiatives to connect Muslims with quality mental healthcare.
