The proposed activities align with Arthritis Research Canada’s commitment to engaging diverse communities to improve arthritis care and promote healthy aging. For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), strength training (ST) reduces pain, improves function, and prevents muscle loss critical for older adults[1]. Yet less than 14% of people with RA engage in ST regularly[2]. This gap is especially pronounced among Muslim women with RA, limiting their access to the benefits of ST.
The Metro Vancouver Muslim community has identified a need for research-based solutions to improve exercise support for women. My PhD student (N.Hassen), a kinesiologist, health researcher, and Muslim woman living with RA with experience leading community exercise classes, has been approached by the community for support. With my clinical research experience, we are well positioned to collaboratively address these needs.
Building on our existing connections with Muslim communities, we will engage interest-holders to better understand the current context, including where Muslim women access ST, which exercise professionals provide ST services to Muslim communities, and the challenges faced by both Muslim women and exercise professionals in participating in ST activities.
We will co-lead activities across Metro Vancouver: 1) 2hr in-person meeting with 5 exercise professionals (e.g. A.Qusus, kinesiologist, Surrey; N.Islam, physiotherapist, Vancouver) to explore challenges and supports to providing ST services to Muslim women; 2) 2hr meeting with 2 faith scholars (F.Ali;Z.Alwani) to understand the religious norms and cultural considerations related to exercise and health in Muslim communities; 3) 2hr in-person meeting with 5 community leaders (e.g. T.Ali, VP of BC Muslim Association; S.Atif, Lead, Seniors Sisters Support Group, Richmond), to identify community needs, existing resources, and services; 4) 30min in-person meetings with 4 local rheumatologists (e.g. C.Chin, Burnaby) to understand their current caseloads and referral patterns to exercise programs; 5) 1hr in-person meetings with Muslim women living with RA to understand their experiences and needs. Participants will be identified through invitation flyers shared in community centres and Muslim women’s social media groups N. Hassen is part of, and word of mouth. We expect this work will foster relationship-building, identify knowledge gaps, and support co-creation of future research questions.
[1]PMID:14770099 [2]PMID:23335505