Behavior Modification in Ramadan [Archives:2000/51/Health]
Mahfouth A Bamashmus
FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
1. Daily practices and health during fasting
A study was carried out to explore the effect of fasting on daily practices (life events, diet and smoking), health and performance of university students. Almost all were single, living with their families. Analysis showed that more people involved in stress reducing and spiritual activities. They drank less caffeine-containing beverages and smoked less. The intake of food from meat and vegetable group increased significantly and decreased from cereal group. Even though cereal consumption was less during Ramadan, it was still in the adequate range. Change in weight was variable. Weight loss was significantly more among the sick. Reduced activity, study desire and concentration ability were reported by 50% of the students.
2. Smoking cessation
A recent research carried out in Britain amongst four black and minority ethnic groups provides information which can be used for support smoking cessation programs targeted at these groups. Motivation to quit appears to be high. For example, knowledge of the health risks of smoking is high, as to desire to quit. However there are fewer attempts to quit and therefore a lower than average smoking cessation rate.
A nationally organized event which has been a success, albeit very hard work, is the Ramadan project. Health strategy group saw that Ramadan was an ideal time to urge Muslim men to give up smoking for good. Over 70% of Bengali men smoke, yet most refrain from smoking during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Posters with the fasting timetables and messages asking smokers and other cultural centers for seven years. Local activities have included cessation groups in the mosques, press and TV coverage of the campaign launches and other high profile events.
3. Parasuicide during Ramadan
The impact of national and religious events on the rate of parasuicide was studied. A comparison was made between the number of reported parasuicides during the month of Ramadan and the month before and after Ramadan in Jordan. Significantly fewer parasuicides were reported during Ramadan than the month preceding it and the month that follows Ramadan. The findings confirm that national events reduce the rate of parasuicide, but protective effect does not persist into the month that follows Ramadan.
Reference: International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research
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