Background:
Thirty seven percentage of women with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) attending antenatal services at Northern Health (NH) identify themselves as being Muslim. Although GDM is considered a medical condition exempting women from fasting, anecdotal feedback suggested that many women either wish to, or choose to fast during Ramadan.
Aim:
To identify and explore the perceptions associated with the decision making process to fast by women who diagnosed with GDM during Ramadan in 2014.
Methods:
An explorative qualitative pilot study using semi-structured interviews with post-partum women diagnosed GDM during Ramadan 2014 was conducted. A culturally sensitive questionnaire was developed focusing on their decision-making process of fasting. Ten women were recruited who identified themselves as Muslim; 5 fasting and 5 non-fasting as documented in clinical notes.
Results:
Participants came from a range of cultural backgrounds and all had previously fasted during Ramadan prior 2014. Their decision to fast was based primarily on their views held by their family/friends, and their previous positive experience of fasting whilst pregnant with or without GDM. Four of the 7 participants were treated with insulin successfully fasted, 2 women chose not to fast whilst another discontinued fasting following hypoglycaemia. Of the 5 women identified in their medical records as non-fasting, 4 reported during the interviews that they had not disclosed their true fasting status due to their concerns the healthcare team were not sufficient culturally sensitive to understand and support their decision.
Conclusion:
Religious beliefs can influence self-management of GDM and healthcare professionals need to be more culturally aware of the importance of fasting for women with insulin and non-insulin treated GDM during Ramadan.
Acknowledge: Recipient of the Northern Health Small Research Grants 2014.