Qualitative exploration of Australian Muslim patients’ perceptions and experiences surrounding medication management during Ramadan
The-Phung To
A * , Simone E. Taylor A , Ayat Abdullah B , Nur Abdullah B , Kerry Huang B , Naemah Khan B , Sakinah Shirzad B , Huda Elmi A and Iman Zayegh C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Pharmacy Department, Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
B Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
C Pharmacy 4 Less, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
* Correspondence to: phung.to@austin.org.au
Australian Health Review 46(3) 346-354 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH21392
Submitted: 7 December 2021 Accepted: 19 April 2022 Published: 12 May 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.
Abstract
Objective To explore Australian Muslim patients’ perceptions and experiences surrounding medication management practices during Ramadan.
Methods This was a qualitative exploration of the views and experiences of Muslim patients who were hospitalised during or shortly prior to Ramadan 2021. Data comprised comments obtained from a cross-sectional telephone or face-to-face questionnaire about medications and Ramadan fasting at a tertiary-referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A purposeful criterion sampling approach was employed for participant recruitment. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Data were coded inductively and subthemes and themes were developed via an iterative process.
Results Comments were provided by 88 patients born in a wide range of countries and with a variety of medical and surgical co-morbidities. Themes identified included interpretation of Ramadan fasting, altering medications to facilitate fasting, perceptions about healthcare professionals and health knowledge. Many patients altered their medications to facilitate Ramadan fasting and there was considerable variability in interpretation of what breaks the fast. Patients’ perceptions and previous experiences with healthcare professionals determined whether they sought advice about managing their medications during Ramadan or dismissed advice and/or self-managed their medications, sometimes inappropriately.
Conclusions This exploration of Australian Muslim patients found diverse views and experiences around medication practices during Ramadan – past relationships with healthcare professionals influenced this practice. As there are ramifications for physical, spiritual and family wellbeing, it is imperative that healthcare professionals partner with their Muslim patients to optimise their medication management and health outcomes for Ramadan.
Keywords: adverse drug events, drug safety, fasting, health behaviour, health personnel, Islam, pharmaceutical preparations, Ramadan.
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