Provides demographic and cultural background on the Arab community in Seattle, Washington, focusing on its experience gaining access to health care services. Part of a series of profiles of underserved ethnic communities developed by the Seattle-based Cross Cultural Health Care Program, this survey is intended to help health care providers offer culturally appropriate care. Written by and in consultation with members of Seattle’s Arab community, this profile contains information about: the extent of the Arab World; the dominant religion, Islam; the size and origin of the Arab population living in the Seattle area; sources of employment in the Pacific Northwest; family life and local community organizations; traditional health care beliefs and practices; the high value placed on, and confidence in, modern Western medicine; social customs concerning illness and death, maternal and child health, and circumcision; attitudes toward medical care, including the expectation of receiving pain relief and medication at the first physician visit, preference for male doctors, reluctance to disclose personal information, and negative views of mental illness; and barriers to receiving medical care, including dietary restrictions and language confusion. Also contains suggestions that health care professionals can follow to work more effectively with their Arab patients.
