Impact of cancer on Moslem patients in Morocco.
BACKGROUND
The study aims to determine the impact of cancer on Moroccan patients of Moslem faith.


METHODS
Patients included a convenience sample with histological confirmed cancer. Cases with cerebral metastasis or lacking capacity were excluded. Participants were assessed prospectively using a questionnaire covering epidemiological and socio-economic characteristics, religious affiliation, repercussions of disease on religious beliefs and practices.


CONCLUSIONS
One thousand and six hundred patients (median age 49 years) were approached; 41% females and 74% from rural areas. There was a high rate of illiteracy (38%) and only 7% had higher education. Seventeen per cent were divorced, among whom 41% were divorced after diagnosis of cancer. Eighty-seven per cent had no medical insurance. All were Muslims; 49% practising believers and 51% non-practising. In the first group cancer represented a divine test that permitted acceptance of the disease. In the second group of 'non-practising believers', patients reported a feeling of culpability and 95% of them started taking up religious practices, often with extremism and sometimes in contradiction of medical advice. In both groups new behaviours were noticed; 450 women now wore the 'Hijab' (scarf), 19% used popular medicine and plants in their diet recommended by the Koran. While these results require replication they indicate changes in behaviour by those within the Moslem faith following a cancer diagnosis.
Errihani
Hassan
H
National Institute of Oncology, Medical Oncology, 23 Rue de Bruxelles, Ocean, Rabat, Morocco. oncolomed@yahoo.fr
Mrabti
Hind
H
Boutayeb
Saber
S
El Ghissassi
Ibrahim
I
El Mesbahi
Omar
O
Hammoudi
Mohamed
M
Chergui
Hanaa
H
Riadi
Ahmed
A
D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008297:Male; D009018:Morocco / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires