American Research Journal of Nursing

Aims and Objectives: To identify the cultural understanding of suffering and the effects on the healthcare of Coptic Zabbaleen women in Cairo, Egypt. Background: Gender roles, cultural norms and beliefs of the Middle East place women in a vulnerable position resulting in isolation or disconnection from society and resources within the society resulting in inequality and disadvantages in healthcare. The women of the Zabbaleen community are a unique population of women in Cairo, Egypt who have multiple factors known to contribute to inequities in healthcare. Design: Qualitative inquiry using constructivist methodology with semi-structured interviews were conducted in the area of Mokattem in Cairo, Egypt with women of the Zabbaleen community. Methods: A convenience sample of women who were Copts from the Zabbaleen community between the ages of 19 and 45, married or unmarried participated in interviews at home and in the community. Results: Three aspects of suffering that characterize this population are: suffering is an expected part of life, suffering is a spiritual experience and this spiritual experience identifies them with God. Conclusions: These findings provide insight into cultural perspectives on suffering from a subpopulation in the Middle East/North Africa region. Zabbaleen women offer a truly distinctive perspective on health through their experiences as a disadvantaged population of a Middle Eastern country. Understanding their experiences increases knowledge of women in vulnerable populations and provides insight into issues related to health and illness in another culture. Relevance to clinical practice: Nursing practice continues to provide care to diverse populations domestically and abroad: therefore, awareness of cultural themes such as suffering that impact healthcare need to be explored. Caring for a patient from a Middle Eastern community requires sensitivity and understanding of how their beliefs and backgrounds impact their ability to receive care.