The Assessment of COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes Among a Middle Eastern North African Community in Dearborn, Michigan.

In 2020, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 45-84 years (Woolf 325:123-124, 2021). However, systemic inequities and disparities exacerbated the pandemic's effect on racial and ethnic groups (Tai 72:703-706, 2021). The exact impact of the pandemic within the Middle Eastern North African (MENA) community is not well documented or understood due to the lack of federal recognition of MENAs as an ethnic group. Given the lack of COVID-19 research among this community, this study was created to address COVID-19 needs, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviors regarding COVID-19 precautions, mask wearing, and routine healthcare appointments. Between June and July 2020, an anonymous survey was distributed in English and Arabic using a Community Participatory Based Research design in Dearborn, Michigan. Overall, 298 individuals were surveyed and their misconceptions regarding COVID-19 infections, spread, and precautions were identified. It is important to note that about 75% of survey respondents identified as female, while only 24% of survey participants identified as male. Survey participants slightly underestimated the distance in which COVID-19 can be transmitted as 5.5 ± 3.5. Participants severely underestimated COVID-19 deaths in the US, with 23% estimating that under 250,000 individuals would die from COVID-19. Overall, 60% of participants reported that they did not have any difficulty adhering to COVID-19 precautions and self-quarantine rules during Ramadan, while this number dropped to only 36% (87/238) after Ramadan. The goal of this study was to serve as a tool to better understand the misconceptions, difficulties, and needs regarding COVID-19 among this understudied population. The MENA community may be particularly vulnerable to the economic, medical, and social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pediatric Muslim Fasting Practices in Southeast Michigan: A Community Survey.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from all water, food, and medications from dawn till dusk. To date, the existing medical literature focuses on adult fasting with little attention paid to pediatric fasting practices. An anonymous, digital, bilingual survey was conducted using Qualtrics software. Participants were recruited in-person at various community clinics, businesses, and mosques as well as online via social media. To be eligible for the study, participants must identify as Muslim and be parents or guardians of child/ren between the age/s of 7 and 18. Between July 2017 and May 2018, 918 people took part in the initial survey, with 70% (524/751) of participants living in Wayne County, MI. Approximately 80% (624/779) identified as Arab American and 57% (437/773) as immigrants to the US. Over 63% (522/827) of participants reported that their child's health care provider was unaware that their child/ren fasted during Ramadan. In addition, 75% (613/820) of participants indicated that their child's health care provider did not offer them any medical advice regarding fasting. However, 69% (554/805) of participants reported being comfortable discussing fasting practices with their child's doctor. Furthermore, 80% (569/714), of participants reported that their child/ren's doctor had a good or an advanced understanding of fasting. Our study is an important first step in helping elucidate beliefs and practices about Muslim pediatric fasting in Michigan. In addition, it highlights a stark contrast between the perceptions of parents and the current clinical practice of their physicians.