Issues post-stroke for Muslim people in maintaining the practice of salat (prayer): A qualitative study

SummaryBackgroundMuslims throughout the world perform salat (prayer) five times a day; salat involves a person reciting the Holy Qur’an while being in several positions. There are several steps that should be carried out before prayer, including wudhu (ablution) and covering one's awrah (body).ObjectivesTo identify educational needs for stroke patients and their caregivers in Malaysia. Another purpose is to report on the needs identified by stroke patients and their families related to salat.MethodsDescriptive qualitative study. Phase 1 involved semi-structured interviews with stroke patients (n = 5), family caregivers (n = 5) and health professionals (n = 12) in Kelantan Malaysia. Phase 2 involved presenting the findings from Phase 1 to the health professionals with the aim of establishing priorities and processes to develop education strategies for stroke patients and their families.ResultsPreparing for and performing salat was challenging for both patient and family carers to do following a stroke. Themes identified were prayer and the meaning of the stroke events for participants, difficulties praying post-stroke, prayer as part of rehabilitation therapy.ConclusionProviding culturally safe care should include how nurses assess and support patients and their caregivers post stroke to meet their prayer needs. Nurses have a role in discussing with stroke patients and their families how in addition to its spiritual and customary benefits, prayer and for Muslims reciting the Holy Qur’an can have cognitive and rehabilitation benefits, as well as being a source of psychological support for stroke patients.