Pew Research Center estimated that Muslims accounted for 23% of the world population (1.6 billion) in 2010. Following a lunar calendar (355 days/year), Ramadan moves back each year by 10 days, which means it can occur in any of the four seasons, resulting in variations in the number of fasting hours. 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.įasting “Sawm” the 9 th Islamic month “Ramadan” is one of the five fundamental Pillars of Islam. 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. 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. 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. Fasting Ramadan, in which Muslims abstain from specific habits and behaviors from dawn to sunset, is one of the five Pillars of Islam.
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