Nutritional status and quality of life during Ramadan among staff.

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Nutritional status and quality of life during ramadan among higher institution learning centre staffs with different body weight status.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

R., Mohd Adzim Khalili, A., Ummu Habibah, A.H., Norhayati, M.Z., Zetty Hulwany, M.N., Mohd Nasir, M.A., Intan Suhana Munira, and D.V., Muralidara


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Nutritional status and quality of life during ramadan among higher institution learning centre staffs with different body weight status.

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Ramadan fasting is a significant practice for Muslims, where they abstain from consuming food and drink from dawn to sunset. This month, lasting 28 to 30 days, traditionally involves consuming one hefty meal after sunset and a lighter meal before dawn. The fasting experience influences dietary habits, energy intake, and overall quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study was to assess the dietary intake and QoL of UniSZA staff before, during, and after Ramadan, providing valuable insights into how dietary habits during this period impact health and well-being.

Impact of Fasting on Dietary Intake

This study revealed no significant changes in the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats during Ramadan fasting. The average energy and macronutrient consumption indicated that participants generally fell below the recommended daily intake levels throughout the study phases. Although the mean calorie intake showed variations, the study highlighted that despite a reduction in meal frequency, the overall caloric intake remained comparable before, during, and after Ramadan.

Quality of Life During Ramadan

Quality of life measured through the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvements across several domains during Ramadan compared to before. The subdomains evaluated included physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, and vitality, all demonstrating statistically significant enhancements during the fasting period. This suggests that fasting may positively influence participants’ physical health perception and energy levels, despite dietary restrictions.

Correlations Between Dietary Intake and Quality of Life

The study identified several significant correlations between various nutrients and health perception aspects of QoL, primarily before and after Ramadan. Notably, calorie intake was significantly correlated with general health, whereas carbohydrates and proteins also showed correlations with physical functioning and vitality. However, the results indicated a lack of significant correlation during Ramadan itself, suggesting that factors beyond diet could influence QoL during fasting.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that while dietary habits during Ramadan may not lead to significant changes in macronutrient composition or caloric intake levels, they can affect perceived quality of life positively. Key domains of physical health improved during Ramadan, suggesting that this period of fasting may offer other non-nutritional health benefits. This study underscores the need for further research into the interrelationship of eating patterns and QoL within healthy adult populations during Ramadan.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the main objective of the study on Ramadan fasting?

The study aimed to assess total calorie and macronutrient intake and quality of life (QoL) among UniSZA staff before, during, and after Ramadan, examining correlations between dietary intake and QoL.

How was the dietary intake data collected during the study?

Dietary intake was obtained through a multiple 24-hour recall method, conducted via face-to-face interviews over three days, including two weekdays and one weekend day.

What tool was used to measure quality of life in the study?

Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, measuring eight health subdomains including physical functioning, general health, and vitality among others.

Were there significant changes in energy intake during Ramadan?

The total daily energy intake remained comparable before, during, and after Ramadan, despite a decrease in meal frequency, and generally remained below recommended energy levels.

What were the findings related to quality of life scores?

The study found significant changes in QoL scores in several domains, with improved scores for physical functioning, general health, and vitality noted during Ramadan compared to before.

What limitations affected the study's findings?

The study faced limitations due to a small sample size and participant exemptions caused by personal schedules, which impacted their ability to complete all assessment sessions.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nutritional status and quality of life during Ramadan among staff.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Quality:
Quality refers to the extent or degree of excellence of life as experienced by individuals. In the context of the study, it specifically relates to how different dietary habits during Ramadan can impact the overall well-being and life satisfaction of UniSZA staff, influencing both physical and mental health aspects.

2) Life:
Life encompasses the state of being alive and the experiences and interactions individuals have throughout their existence. The study assesses how Ramadan fasting influences the quality of life of staff at UniSZA, providing insights into dietary impacts on health, social interactions, and overall happiness.

3) Study (Studying):
Study signifies systematic investigation aimed at understanding a phenomenon. Here, it pertains to the research conducted to evaluate nutritional intake and quality of life among UniSZA staff during Ramadan, contributing valuable findings to nutritional science and public health in the Muslim context.

4) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data or information, typically organized in rows and columns for clarity. In the study, tables present critical data such as demographic characteristics, dietary assessments, and quality of life scores, facilitating easy comparison and analysis of findings.

5) Food:
Food represents the substances consumed for nutritional support. The study focuses on the dietary intake of UniSZA staff during Ramadan, examining how fasting affects food choices, macronutrient intake, and energy consumption, which in turn influences their quality of life and health outcomes.

6) Mental health:
Mental health refers to cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and act. The study incorporates mental health as a crucial component in evaluating the quality of life, assessing how Ramadan fasting influences participants' emotional resilience and overall psychological well-being.

7) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain signifies a physical sensation of discomfort, which can affect daily functioning and quality of life. The study evaluates bodily pain levels among staff, analyzing how dietary patterns during Ramadan may impact physical health and contribute to an individual’s perception of pain across different phases.

8) Science (Scientific):
Science represents a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The study employs scientific methods to assess diet and quality of life, contributing to the broader field of nutritional science and public health research.

9) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Understanding the connection between dietary habits during Ramadan and health outcomes relates closely to medical fields, as insights from this study may inform lifestyle recommendations for better health in Muslim populations.

10) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition of a bodily part or system resulting from various causes, including infections, genetic defects, and environmental factors. The study's focus on quality of life emphasizes the importance of dietary intake in preventing lifestyle-related diseases during Ramadan fasting.

11) Education:
Education signifies the process of facilitating learning and acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs. In this study, education is implicitly connected to raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and its effects on quality of life, benefiting the wider community beyond the study participants.

12) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The study underscores the need to monitor dietary intake during Ramadan to prevent malnutrition, as altered eating patterns can influence the nutritional health of individuals.

13) Observation:
Observation involves examining or monitoring phenomena to gather data. In the study, meticulous observation of dietary practices and quality of life was critical to understanding the correlations between nutritional intake and health outcomes during Ramadan, aiding in the study's validity.

14) Cancer:
Cancer signifies a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. The study acknowledges existing research linking nutrition to the prevention and management of cancer, highlighting the need for dietary awareness among the populace.

15) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food that a person habitually eats. This study analyzes the dietary patterns of UniSZA staff during Ramadan, assessing how meal frequency and composition influence energy intake and overall health, contributing valuable insights into nutritional behavior.

16) Measurement:
Measurement denotes the process of obtaining the magnitude of a phenomenon or characteristic. In the context of the study, accurate measurement of dietary intake and quality of life metrics is essential for quantitative analysis and understanding the impact of Ramadan fasting on health.

17) Perception:
Perception refers to the process of interpreting sensory information to form a meaningful understanding. The study evaluates how participants’ perceptions of their health and quality of life change during Ramadan, highlighting the psychological dimension of dietary practices beyond mere consumption.

18) Learning:
Learning signifies the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, study, or teaching. The study aims to enhance learning about dietary intake and quality of life during Ramadan, emphasizing the potential for improved health outcomes through informed food choices among participants.

19) Mahmud (Maḥmūd):
Mahmud is a common name, in this context referring specifically to Jalan Sultan Mahmud, the location mentioned in the address of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). This geographical reference situates the research within a specific cultural and educational context in Malaysia.

20) Kota (Koṭa):
Kota, often meaning 'city' or 'town' in Malay, relates to Kota Terengganu, where UniSZA is located. This contextualizes the study within the urban environment of this Malaysian city, where social and cultural practices, such as Ramadan, significantly influence dietary habits.

21) Male (Mālē):
Male refers to the male gender, which is significant in understanding gender differences in health, dietary habits, and quality of life perceptions. The study includes male participants, allowing for comparative analysis with female health and dietary patterns during Ramadan.

22) Righteousness:
Righteousness refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable. In the context of Ramadan, this relates to the spiritual dimension of fasting where dietary choices and practices may reflect individuals' commitment to their faith, impacting their social interactions and perceptions of well-being.

23) Arrangement:
Arrangement signifies the organization or structuring of elements in a specific order. In the study, the arrangement of phases regarding dietary assessments and quality of life evaluations ensures systematic collection of data, crucial for analyzing the impact of Ramadan fasting on health.

24) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed indicates a process of change in form or structure. In this study, participants' scores on the SF-36 questionnaire are transformed into a 0-100 scale to facilitate interpretation of quality of life metrics, enabling clearer understanding of the impacts of Ramadan fasting.

25) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the process of exchanging ideas or debating topics. In the study, the discussion highlights the findings of the research, emphasizes implications for health and nutrition, and seeks to establish connections between dietary practices during Ramadan and quality of life measurements.

26) Karnataka (Karṇāṭaka):
Karnataka is a state in India known for its diverse culture and heritage. While not directly linked to the study, referencing Karnataka highlights the broader geographical context and may resonate with readers familiar with Indian culture, enhancing the regional understanding of dietary practices.

27) Knowledge:
Knowledge signifies the information, understanding, or skills gained through experience or education. The study aims to increase knowledge about the relationship between dietary habits during Ramadan and quality of life, contributing valuable insights to the fields of nutrition and public health.

28) Training:
Training refers to the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior. In the context of the study, training may relate to enhancing dietary practices and awareness among participants, fostering better health outcomes through informed nutritional choices.

29) Language:
Language represents a system of communication used by a particular community or country. While the study is conducted in Malaysia, cultural and linguistic aspects can influence dietary practices and quality of life perceptions, making it an essential consideration in understanding the context of Ramadan fasting.

30) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the condition of carrying or being capable of carrying offspring. In the context of the study, pregnant individuals are specifically excluded from participation due to unique nutritional needs, impacting the overall dietary assessments related to fasting during Ramadan.

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