Clinicians' Perspectives on Caring for Muslim Patients Considering Fasting During Ramadan

Abstract

This study explores clinicians' perspectives on factors affecting care provided to Muslim patients who decide to fast during Ramadan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of clinicians in Egypt (11) and the USA (10). Framework analysis was conducted through mapping data to constructs within social cognitive theory. Data were mapped into clinician's belief in ability to care for those patients, belief in group's ability to provide care, anticipated consequences of providing such care, knowledge, learning by observing other clinicians, cultural norms and perceived acceptability and prevalence of care provision, environmental barriers and opportunities, and communication approach.

Keywords: Culture; Islam; Qualitative; Ramadan; Social cognitive theory.