Physicians’ Knowledge from Different Religious Background on Management of Diabetic Patients during Ramadan Fasting in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assesses the knowledge of physicians about basic facts of Ramadan and their ability to give health guidance for diabetic patients to people who are funding and changing their wishing to fast during Ramadan.  We studied the knowledge of physicians on Ramadan fasting as a religious duty and impact of some social practices on the fasting diabetic patients.  The sample included all the non-Muslim physicians working in different hospitals and health care centers in Najran. Data was collected over a period of one month. This was a quasi-experimental study where non-Muslim physicians were questioned on their knowledge and advice they give to diabetic patients and professional practice of physicians, pre and post a focus group intervention.  There were 52 non-Muslim physicians most of the respondents (55.8%) see more than five diabetic patients per week in Ramadan, who had some enquires relevant to Ramadan fasting. Major source of information on Ramadan fasting was through personal communication with Muslim colleagues.  Factors that impair diabetic control include cessation of medications, self-modification of dose, increase in consumption of sugar and increased physical activity. We conclude that physicians in Saudi Arabia lack basic religious knowledge on Ramadan that influences health and disease. By simple measures such as distributing written teaching materials or focused group discussions, we can empower their abilities to provide efficient advice to diabetic patients wishing to observe Ramadan fasting.