Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Fasting in Ramadan among Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Every year, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk in the Holy month of Ramadan. Mostly, patients with diabetes are unaware of the complications related to fasting including hypoglycemia and dehydration. This study aimed to determine the socio-demographic data of diabetic patients and knowledge, attitude, and practices of diabetic patients toward Ramadan fasting in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospital, Peshawar. A total of 180 diabetic patients have participated in the study. All patients were Muslim-diagnosed diabetic patients irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, and type of diabetes. Structural self-designed questionnaire related to diabetes and associated information. Questions were asked after taking the consent form from all participants. The questionnaire was related to education, doses timing, glucose monitoring, eating habits, and physical activities.

Results: Among a total of 180 diabetic patients, 53.9% were male and 46.1% were female diabetic patients. The minimum age was 15 years and the maximum age was 88 with a mean age of 52.7+14.5 years. The highest number of diabetic patients were identified in the age-group 46-55 years with 26.3%. Diabetic patients were more found illiterate (49.4%) as compared to educated. Type II diabetes mellitus was found in 92.8% of patients.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that knowledge and practice of diabetic patients during fasting in Ramadan is less. Ramadan health education and training in diabetic patients can improve and guide patients to ensure safe and risk-free fasting.