Healthcare Professionals Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Perspectives Providing Care to Muslims in Western Countries who Fast During Ramadan: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan is an obligation for healthy Muslims and involves abstaining from food and drinks from dawn to dusk for 29 to 30 consecutive days annually. With changes in dietary and lifestyle patterns, healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a significant role in supporting Muslims health during Ramadan. In this scoping review, we employed a systematic approach to map existing literature on HCPs’ knowledge, attitude, practices, and perspectives working with Muslims who fast during Ramadan in Western countries. Our aim was to identify research gaps and opportunities for improving healthcare services for Muslims during Ramadan. Literature searches were generated through multiple scientific literature databases, including Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase and reviewed following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR) guidelines. From the eight sources included in this review, it was found that HCPs’ knowledge of Ramadan fasting practices vary, with many lacking adequate knowledge. While HCPs recognize potential health complications, adjustments to medications for fasting patients, especially those with diabetes, are often neglected. Challenges in care included language barriers, limited cultural training, and resource awareness. Strategies identified to address barriers include reducing language barriers, providing resources in relevant languages, and enhancing cultural competence training. Further research is required on HCPs’ knowledge providing care to Muslims during Ramadan, cultural competency training impact, and diverse healthcare interventions for fasting Muslims. Addressing these gaps may enhance culturally safe care and improve patient outcomes.