Patterns of Social Interaction and Lifeways which Affect Health and Healthcare of Families in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States

Abstract

Background: Lifeways of Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States form a unique pattern. A large portion of healthcare providers are foreign nationals. Purpose: The absence of insight into these unique lifeways by healthcare providers may limit their caring activities. Review of related literature has suggested that dissonance between clients and care providers may be a barrier to care. Method: Purnell’s Cultural Competency framework was utilized to focus on communication, family roles and organization, developmental tasks, social status, family dynamics, workforce issues, biocultural ecology, high-risk behavior, physical activity, nutrition, pregnancy, fertility, birth, spirituality, and death from the standpoint of healthcare delivery. Results: Each of the sectors discussed illuminate important ways in which Saudi and Gulf society are similar and different from the body of research related to this area. Conclusion: This inquiry has added perspectives which may be useful for provision of care by healthcare practitioners who are unfamiliar with some of the health related lifeways in Saudi Arabia and Gulf. Keywords: Lifeways; Health; Healthcare; Families; Gulf-States