Self-management of chronic diseases during Ramadan: patients' perceptions, practices, awareness, and quality of life

To assess the perceptions, practices, and awareness of patients with chronic diseases in Jordan regarding Ramadan self-management, and to identify factors influencing their quality of life based on utility scores.

A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in outpatient clinics and hospital pharmacies across multiple centres in Jordan, following Ramadan. Muslim patients who self-reported having chronic diseases and had been receiving their regular medications for at least one year were included and interviewed face-to-face.

A total of 900 patients were included in the study. Most participants (82.9%) fasted during Ramadan, of whom 90.8% did not consult a physician beforehand, and 69.4% did not undergo laboratory testing to assess disease control before fasting. Most patients (94%) considered physicians as their main source of information on medication use during Ramadan (94%). Participants generally showed good awareness of medications and procedures that break fasting. Higher levels of agreement with the Jordanian General Iftaa' Department on fasting were significantly linked to having a university education and an income of ≥500 JOD (P value < .5). Additionally, male gender, university degree, income of ≥500 JOD, village residency, non-smoking status, and fewer comorbidities or medications were predictors of higher utility scores (P value <.5).

Most participants were able to carry out daily activity, despite few seeking medical advice or undergoing lab tests to assess disease control before fasting. They were generally aware of medication routes and clinical procedures that break the fast. Emphasizing pre-Ramadan physician consultations and educational programs is recommended.