Health is a spiritual thing: perspectives of health care professionals and female Somali and Bangladeshi women on the health impacts of fasting during Ramadan

Abstract

There are a variety of health beliefs and observances among female Muslim Somali and Bangladeshi women and a range of knowledge, experience and opinions among health care professionals related to fasting during Ramadan and health. Overall, there is a need for improved communication between members of the Muslim community and health professionals in Canada about health issues related to fasting during Ramadan. Strategies could include published practice guidelines endorsed by the Muslim community; patient education materials developed in collaboration with health and religious experts; or further qualitative research to help professionals understand the beliefs and observances of Muslim people.

Type 2 diabetes patient’s perspective on Ramadan fasting: a qualitative study

“…To improve participant in diabetes education, several novel strategies could be implemented. For example, the educational materials could be developed through collaboration between healthcare professionals and religious authorities and include insights and endorsement from religious community and Imams 32. In addition, these education materials can be placed in religious centers or mosques to allow easy access of information for Muslim’s with diabetes who choose to fast.…”

“…However, one difficulty is to identify these patients, as some healthcare practitioners will want to avoid the stereotypical approach such as excluding certain ethnic groups or generalizing that all Muslims will fast during Ramadan 32. Training and recruiting other healthcare practitioners such as nurses and pharmacists to assist in diabetes management during Ramadan may be a feasible strategy to improve patients knowledge on safe fasting practices should they choose to fast.…”

Do patients want doctors to talk about spirituality? A systematic literature review

“…(8,9,30,32) This allowed the doctor to provide improved care. (52,58,64) Thus patients distinguished between a doctor asking about spirituality with a view to being aware of this dimension of the patient, versus collecting information in order to deal with spiritual problems within the consultation. In fact, many patients expressed strong objections to doctors acting as spiritual advisors or proselytizing.…”

South Asian consensus statement on women′s health and Ramadan

“…[2122]Counseling should be individualized.Remind those fasting in Ramadan of the Holy Prophet Mohammed's saying, “No one will be allowed to move from his position on the day of judgment until he has been asked how he spent his life, how he used his knowledge, how he earned and spent his money and in what pursuits he used his health.” …”