ABSTRACT
Fasting in the month of Ramadan has several positive effects on the emotional and mental state and improves happiness in the community. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fasting on the level of happiness in the general population. In this study, we used pretest-posttest analysis to evaluate the hypothesis, and the study population consisted of the people of Kermanshah, Iran. In total, 110 individuals were selected randomly, and the evaluation of happiness was performed using MUNSH happiness survey including four scales of positive appreciation [PA], positive experience [PE], negative appreciation [NA] and negative experience [NE]. Data analysis was performed using T-test in SPSS V.18. In this study, a significant difference was observed between the level of happiness before and after the month of Ramadan. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and posttest in terms of NA [P=0.032, T=2.16] and NE [P=0.001, T=3.302]. However, no significant difference was observed in PA and PE before and after Ramadan in the study population. According to the results of this study, fasting could positively affect the level of happiness in a community. Therefore, further attention needs to be drawn to the religious beliefs of people and their effects on the mental health of a society
ABSTRACT
Multiple studies have noted the positive effect of fasting on mental health improvement. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of fasting on mental health in the general population of Kermanshah, Iran. In this analytical research, one-group pretest-posttest design was used for the evaluation of 110 residents of Kermanshah city. General Health Questionnaire [GHQ] with four subscales was utilized in order to assess the subjects' mental health. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and paired t-test. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-test results in terms of general health score [t=3.138, P=0.002], i.e., fasting could increase the population's general health. There was a significant positive relationship between fasting and four subscales of general health including somatic symptoms [t=2.138, P=0.035], insomnia/anxiety [t=2.587, P=0.011], and social dysfunction [t=2.627, P=0.010]. However, fasting had no significant effect on severe depression and suicidal tendencies [t=1.700, P=0.092]. The obtained results showed that fasting has a positive effect on mental health in the general population of Kermanshah. Thus, more attention should be paid to fasting and its impact on people's mental health