Social Support for Arab People with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Social support can play a crucial role in psycho-social well-being of people with chronic conditions. There is limited information about the experiences, barriers and sources of social support of Arab people affected by chronic conditions. The purpose of this review is to explore the experiences, barriers and sources of social support of Arab people affected by chronic conditions. A scoping review of the literature, based on Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles (n = 13) were identified for appraisal based on a group of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles were included in the final analysis. Three broad themes were identified: (a) Social support benefits—physical, emotional and financial benefits; (b) Source of social support—family and friends support, and (c) Support services utilization—cultural barrier, Arab migrants language and unfamiliarity with the health system barriers. Appropriate future support programs should be tailored based on Arab cultural beliefs and the inherent responsibility of the family together inside the Arab community.