Open AccessMuslim patients in Ramadan: A review for primary care physicians
Author(s) -
Heba Abolaban,
Ahmad Al-Moujahed
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
avicenna journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-4464
pISSN - 2231-0770
DOI - 10.4103/ajm.ajm_76_17
Subject(s) - medicine , affect (linguistics) , religiosity , islam , spirituality , competence (human resources) , alternative medicine , health care , primary care , family medicine , social psychology , psychology , philosophy , theology , communication , pathology , economics , economic growth
Fasting Ramadan, in which Muslims abstain from specific habits and behaviors from dawn to sunset, is one of the five Pillars of Islam. While there are several exemptions from fasting, many Muslim patients with acute or chronic medical conditions still choose to fast, which may adversely affect their health if not addressed properly. Some patients may not be well educated about the effects of some medical treatments and procedures on the validity of their fast, which can unnecessarily lead to suboptimal management of their conditions or treatment nonadherence. Since spirituality, religiosity, and personal beliefs affect patients' health behaviors and adherence to treatments, health-care providers need to learn how fasting Ramadan can affect the health of their Muslim patients, especially those with chronic medical conditions, and how to help them achieve safe fasting. This article aims to provide an overview of the main topics that primary care physicians may need to know in order to improve their cultural competence when caring for their fasting Muslim patients.