Exploring Values Conflict Between Islamic Modesty and Healthcare Guidelines Among Healthcare Providers and Students: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: As healthcare systems become diverse, tensions between Islamic modesty values and nursing guidelines remain underexplored. Requirements related to dress codes, cross-gender interaction, and physical contact may conflict with Islamic principles, while clear institutional guidance is often lacking. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to map empirical and nonempirical literature examining conflicts between Islamic modesty and clinical nursing practice. Descriptive and content analysis were used to identify areas of conflict, challenges, navigational responses, and proposed solutions. Results: Recurring conflicts involved professional dress requirements, cross-gender care, gender preference, physical contact, and limited gender-sensitive environments. Without clear guidance, Muslim healthcare providers and students relied on individual coping strategies rather than consistent organizational support. Discussion: Addressing these conflicts requires culturally responsive policies, flexible practice arrangements, and religious sensitivity training to support inclusive and ethically sustainable care across diverse healthcare settings.