‘I Prefer To Die at Home With Dignity’: Perceptions of Death Rituals Among Religious Muslim Kidney and Liver Transplant Patients With COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Kidney and liver transplant recipients may be at a high risk of contracting acute COVID‐19 due to chronic immunosuppression and comorbidities. These patients receive combinations of immunosuppressive drugs, altering their innate and adaptive immunity, thus, rendering them more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections and higher mortality. Kidney and liver transplant recipients frequently exhibit one or several risk factors, increasing the risk for unfavorable outcomes. METHODS: This qualitative study explores perceptions of religious rituals and practices relating to COVID-19 deaths among Muslim kidney and liver transplant recipients during the first, second, third, and fourth waves, focusing on their tendency to unlawfully refuse to be hospitalized due to their objection to certain guidelines that prevent or restrict religious practices and traditions. A qualitative study based on interviews with 35 older, religious Muslim liver and kidney transplant recipients was conducted face-to-face and on Zoom. RESULTS: Our findings indicated the absence of acceptable and respectful death rites for the deceased in the event of death from COVID-19, spurring the refusal of older, religious Muslim transplant recipients in Israel to be hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: To address these concerns, health authorities and religious leaders must collaborate to find solutions that satisfy the requirements of both the health system and the religious Muslim community.