Effect of Muslim Prayer (Salat) positions on the intra-ocular pressure in healthy young individuals

Purpose: There is a lack of research examining the effects of Muslim prayer (Salat) positions on the intra?ocular pressure (IOP). Considering its involvement with postural changes, this study aimed to investigate the changes in the IOP upon assuming Salat positions before, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of prayer in healthy young adults. Methods: This prospective, observational study recruited healthy young individuals aged between 18 and 30 years. The IOP measurements were obtained in one eye using Auto Kerato?Refracto?Tonometer TRK?1P, Topcon at baseline before assuming prayer positions, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of the prayer. Results: Forty female participants were recruited, with a mean age of 21 ± 2.9 years, a mean weight of 59.7 ± 14.8 (kg), and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.8 ± 5.7 (kg/m²). Only 16% had a BMI ?25 kg/m² (n = 15). All participants started with a mean IOP at baseline of 19.35 ± 1.65 mmHg, which increased to 20 ± 2.38 mmHg and declined to 19.85 ± 2.67 mmHg after 2 minutes of Salat. The difference between the mean IOPs at baseline, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of Salat was not significant (p = 0.06). However, there was a significant difference between the baseline IOP measurements and those immediately after Salat (p = 0.02). Conclusion: A significant difference was found between the IOP measurements at baseline and immediately after Salat; however, this was not clinically significant. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the effect of a longer duration of Salat in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.

Impact of breastfeeding on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in infants of Muslim mothers of Kolkata, India

Background: Breast milk contains some proteins whose functions are not nutritive but anti-infective, which prevents infants from infections. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate an association between the occurrence of diarrhea and respiratory tract infection (RTI) and breastfeeding among infants of Muslim mothers in Kolkata. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among mother–infant pairs of a total of 540 numbers in Muslim-dominated urban slums of Kolkata. The study period was from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2018. Results: The findings indicated that 82.22% of breastfed infants had no diarrhea, and the absence of RTI was observed in 69.81%. It was also noted that both episodes of diarrhea and RTI in infants become less when the duration of breastfeeding increases. The study also significantly (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03) revealed that the occurrence of diarrhea and RTI was found to have lower incidence in colostrum-fed babies. Out of 391 colostrum- fed babies, about 85.42% had no diarrhea, and the absence of RTI was noticed in 72.12%. In conclusion, breast milk gives protection to babies against diarrheal diseases and RTI. It is the most appropriate food for infants. Conclusions: It is concluded that the prevention of RTI and diarrhea in infants, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early initiation of breastfeeding, and avoidance of bottle feeding should be the best practice to be recommended. To explore appropriate intervention strategies for reinforcing early initiation and continuation of EBF from birth to 6 months of life.

Prevalence and factors associated with belief in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of belief in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and its associated factors. Methods: Due to mobility restriction, this study was conducted cross-sectionally via online platforms. The included factors were age, gender, religious identity, marital status, education level, occupation, and living with health workers. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between belief in COVID-19 vaccine with the predictors. Results: A total of 5 397 responses were taken into analysis. The prevalence of belief in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy was 62.3%. Whereas factors associated with belief in COVID-19 vaccines were being in the age of 45-54 (aOR 1.767; 95% CI 1.219-2.562), 55-64 (aOR 1.703; 95% CI 1.219-2.562), and >64 (aOR 2.136; 95% CI 1.128-4.047), completing education until the secondary level (aOR 1.354; 95% CI 1.111-1.650), working as health practitioners (aOR 2,353; 95% CI 1.655-3.344), and living with health workers (aOR 1.278, 95% CI 1.079-1.514). All religious identities including Muslim (aOR 2.447; 95% CI 1.183-5.062), Protestant (aOR 3.615; 95% CI 1.703-7.677), Catholic (aOR 4.486; 95% CI 2.015-9.987), and Hindu (aOR 3.286; 95% CI 1.410-7.655) showed significant association with belief in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Conclusions: A high prevalence of belief in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy was evident. Since vaccine compliance is determined by an individual's risk-benefit perception, this study emphasizes the need of raising awareness of the benefits of COVID-19 immunization.

Development of hearing impairment inventory for religious duties of Muslim adult

@#Objective: This study is a preliminary work to develop a Malay version questionnaire named ‘Inventori Persepsi bagi Muslim yang Memiliki Masalah Pendengaran (IPM3P)’ to assess the perception on Islamic understanding and practice among Muslim adults with hearing impairment. Methods: The scale development involved three phases: i) generation of domains based on the literature, ii) generation of sub-domains based on literature review and Islamic panel survey, and iii) generation of items. Results: Preliminary version of IPM3P consists of 59 items was produced, representing three domains: Obligation (18 items), Practice (21 items), and Difficulty (20 items), and seven sub-domains (‘Ibadah’, ‘Aqidah’, ‘Muamalat’, ‘Tasawwuf’, ‘Akhlak’,‘Da’wah’, and ‘Sirah’). Conclusion: The preliminary version of IPM3P needs to be psychometrically tested. This pioneering study may become an impetus towards more research pertaining to understanding the effect of hearing loss towards religious life in the future in Malaysia.

Decolonizando a sexualidade no islã: um diálogo com mulheres muçulmanas brasileiras / Decolonizando la sexualidad en el islam: un diálogo con mujeres musulmanas brasileñas / Decolonizing sexuality in islam: a dialogue with brazilian muslim women

Resumo Os estudos de gênero e sexualidade vêm se destacando nas pautas atuais de pesquisas realizadas em campo islâmico. Existe dentro da religião um incentivo aos prazeres que contraria a visão estereotipada da opressão e repressão da mulher muçulmana, bem como a relação problemática entre feminismo e religião que muitas acadêmicas e militantes muçulmanas vêm tentando desconstruir. A partir da etnografia realizada pelas autoras, são tecidas reflexões sobre a sexualidade no Islã a partir de uma perspectiva decolonial. Busca-se ressaltar as práticas e os sentidos que as mulheres muçulmanas brasileiras revertidas ao Islã atribuem à sexualidade, dentro dos seguintes eixos: (a) vestimenta islâmica e a fetichização da muçulmana; (b) lícito/ilícito e a capacidade de agência e protagonismo dessas mulheres; (c) conhecimento religioso e empoderamento feminino. A pesquisa permite destacar dimensões das experiências das mulheres muçulmanas que diferem da posição de subalternidade a qual são constantemente submetidas.

Resumen Los estudios de género y sexualidad se han destacado en la actual agenda de investigación llevada a cabo en el campo islámico. Dentro de la religión existe un incentivo al placer que va en contra la visión estereotipada de la opresión y represión de las mujeres musulmanas, así como de la relación problemática entre el feminismo y la religión que muchas académicas y militantes musulmanas están intentando deconstruir. A partir de la etnografía realizada por las autoras, las reflexiones sobre la sexualidad en el Islam se realizan desde una perspectiva decolonial. El artículo busca resaltar las prácticas y los significados que las mujeres musulmanas brasileñas que volvieron al Islam atribuyen a la sexualidad, dentro de los siguientes ejes: (a) vestimenta islámica y fetichización de las musulmanas; (b) lícito/ilícito y la capacidad de agencia y protagonismo de estas mujeres; (c) conocimiento religioso y empoderamiento femenino. La investigación nos permite destacar dimensiones de las vivencias de mujeres musulmanas que se diferencian de la posición subordinada a la que están constantemente sometidas.

Abstract Gender and sexuality studies are prominent topics in current research regarding the Islamic field. There is an incentive to pleasure within religion that contradicts the oppressed and repressed Muslim woman stereotype, as well as the problematic relationship between feminism and religion that many Muslim academics and militants have been trying to deconstruct. Reflections on sexuality in Islam from a decolonial perspective derives from the ethnography conducted by the authors. The article seeks to highlight the practices and meanings that Brazilian Muslim women who reverted to Islam attribute to sexuality, within the following axes: (a) Islamic clothing and the fetishization of Muslim women; (b) licit/illicit and the capacity of agency and protagonism of these women; (c) religious knowledge and women's empowerment. The research shows dimensions of the experiences of Muslim women that differ from the position of subalternity to which they are constantly submitted.

Abate halal com e sem insensibilização em ovinos: implicações sobre o bem-estar animal e a eficiência da sangria / [Halal slaughter with and without stunning in sheep: implications on animal welfare and bleeding efficiency]

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as implicações sobre o bem-estar animal e a eficiência da sangria no abate halal com e sem insensibilização em ovinos. Foram avaliados 102 ovinos, em abate comercial, separados randomicamente pelo peso em dois grupos: com insensibilização (CI) e sem insensibilização (SI). Verificou-se que os animais sem insensibilização apresentaram sinais de endireitamento e vocalização após 20 segundos da degola. Houve diferença significativa para hemácias (P<0,01), hemoglobina (P<0,01), leucócitos totais (P<0,001), bem como para os biomarcadores de estresse, como CK (P<0,01) e lactato (P<0,001). Apesar de não apresentarem diferença estatística significativa, o LDH e o cortisol ficaram acima dos valores basais em ambos os grupos. Não foram observadas alterações séricas para glicose e AST. Houve diferença estatística significativa para eficiência da sangria (P<0,01). Os resultados demonstraram que houve estresse no abate halal com e sem insensibilização e melhor eficiência da sangria em animais não insensibilizados.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the implications on animal welfare and the sangria efficiency in halal slaugther with and without stunning in sheep. 102 sheep were appraised in a commercial slaugthter, divided randomly for the weight in two groups: with stunning (CI) and without stunning (SI). It was verified that the animals without stunning presented straighten signs and vocalization after 20 seconds of decapitation. There was significant difference for erythrocytes (P<0.05), hemoglobin (P<0.01), leucocytes (P<0.01), stress of biomarkers CK (P<0.01) and lactate (P<0.01). Alterations in serum were not observed for glucose and AST. There was significant statistical difference for bleeding efficiency (P<0.01). The results demonstrated that there was stress in the halal slaugther with and without stunning and better bleeding efficiency in animals with traditional religious slaughter without stunning.(AU)

Mental Health Studies on The Coping Strategies of Muslim Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Malaysia (A Narrative Review)

@#Poor mental health can affect a person’s quality of life and well-being, impacting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical functioning. Mental health difficulties have been found commonly in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who often struggle to cope with a range of challenges. These parents tend to have reduced overall wellbeing. This review study targeted an under-researched area, aiming to review mental health studies on the coping strategies used by Muslim parents of children with ASD in Malaysia, focusing on psychospiritual strategies. Journal articles were searched via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Mendeley software online databases using relevant keywords. This narrative review identified 5 studies that examined parental coping, but only 4 reported the inclusion of Muslims. This review identified a gap in published knowledge regarding coping from a spiritual perspective in Muslim families of children with ASD in Malaysia and recommended future research from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective.

Exploring the unknown Home based remedies and the Unani perspective among Muslim population of Pune city, India

Introduction: From the religious context also herbal medicines and alternative therapies have found mythological references. As far as Islam is concerned, the Arab healers infused their knowledge of Unani system to the world, greatly prevalent in the Indian sub- continent. We present a survey on the same lines highlighting the prevalence of use of herbal medicines among city dwellers of Pune city, India. Material and Methods: This survey was carried out at the behest of AYUSH department for the sole purpose of helping the government in understanding the use of home based herbal medicines under the Unani perspective in Pune. Geographical sampling was done and among the selected communities a door to door interviewer survey was carried out. Results:Total sample size was 84. . Most of them seeked health care from the private clinicians followed by government hospitals. There was no statistical significant difference between the male and the female participants related to the awareness regarding Unani system (?2= 3.4564. p= .06). There were more females who preferred Unani medicine than males and this was statistically significant (?2= 8.7736, p= .003056). Unani medicines were used for a number of reasons like headache and stomach related problems. Conclusion:The survey data shows the positive attitude of the people at the same time highlights the lacunae present in the knowledge of the common man towards Unani medicines which contributes on a large scale to the failure of demand of such an untapped alterative health care approach

Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Muslim community of Janakpurdham, Nepal

Background and Objectives: Intestinal parasitic infection is an important public health problem in Nepal because of its high morbidity and mortality. The distribution and prevalence of the various intestinal parasites species depend on social, geographical, economical and inhabitant customs. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the burden of intestinal parasitic infections and its relation with sanitary practices and socio-demographic characteristics in Muslim community of Janakpurdham, Nepal.Material and Methods: A total of 161 stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw capped plastic container and were preserved with 10% formalin. The stool samples were examined by direct microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods. Modified Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining was performed for the detection of coccidian parasites. P- value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The incidence of intestinal parasitic infection was 63.35% (male = 57.84% vs. female = 42.15%) (p = 0.321). The positive cases of parasitic infection were found to be slightly higher in less than 10 years (35.29%) than others. Hookworm (10%) and G. lamblia (28%) infection was marginally higher than other helminthic and protozoan infection. The highest number of positive cases of parasitic infection was found in those who didn’t wash their hands before meal, defecates stool haphazardly in open area, didn’t wash their hands after toilet, didn’t trim their nail, in larger family, with low income and in housewives which was found to be statistically significant (p = <0.05).Conclusion: The health status was found poor among Nepalese Muslim people. Routine periodic screening of parasitic infection among people, changing behavior, public educations on improved personal and environmental hygiene are the fundamental principle in the control of infection.

Cultural Construction of Psychiatric Illness in Malaysia

The concept of the cultural construction of illness is important in terms of understanding people's behaviour. In this article, this idea is applied to psychiatric illness in Malaysia to explore how it is informed by sociocultural elements, a process that will help us understand the psychiatric expression and help-seeking behaviour of the country's population.

‘I can’t pray’ – The spiritual needs of Malaysian Muslim patients suffering from depression

The mainstay of treatment of depression relies on pharmacological and psychological treatments. On top of that, evidence also recognizes the vital role of spirituality for human wellness which leads to growing interest in its utilization to treat depression. However, research on spirituality among Muslims in relation to depression is relatively scarce. The aim of this study is to explore the understanding of spirituality among Muslim patients with depression, and to explore their spiritual needs. Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted on 10 depressed Muslim patients at the UKM Medical Centre. Purposive sampling was done to ensure diversity of subjects. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using semistructured questionnaire guidelines. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Result: Out of 10 patients, almost all of them expressed spiritual needs. Two major themes emerged in relation to the spiritual needs which are (i) religious needs; need for worship, religious knowledge and guidance, religious reminders, and (ii) existential needs; need for calmness, sensitivity and empathy, self-discipline, certainty, hope , physical help, ventilate and meaning of illness. These needs are essential for patients during the time of crisis. Conclusion: The majority of patients expressed spiritual needs which are required during the process of recovery and this provides an opportunity to incorporate spiritual approaches in the treatment of depression. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate its scientific basis and to design an effective psycho-spiritual treatment modality so that the ‘holistic’ or ‘biopsychosocial-spiritual’ treatment can be integrated by health care professionals to those in need.

The Study On Range Of Motion Of Hip And Knee In Prayer By Adult Muslim Males. A Preliminary Report

Praying represents a fundamental activity of daily living in Muslim community. Muslims need to adopt several postures that require deep flexion of the knee and hip to perform this daily obligation. This is a preliminary report of the study on hip and knee range of motion conducted to obtain normative passive and functional range of flexion data during Muslim prayers in both weight-bearing joints of normal Muslim adults. Methods: A cohort of Malay men aged between 20 to 30 years was recruited in this cross-sectional study. Passive range of motion and flexion angles of the joints in various postures during prayer were measured using a standard goniometer. The difference against existing normative range of motion database available and the influence of various factors were analysed. Factors analysed include body mass index and other anthropometric measurements. Results: Sixty participants recruited for the preliminary phase of this study. The mean (SD) of passive hip and knee flexions were higher compared to other existing normative range of motion database. A unit increase in body mass index will have 0.782 units lower of knee range of motion. The hip and knee flexion arc were from 74.1° to 119.0° and from 3.3° to 119.7° respectively. Conclusion: The range of motion involved for prayers was more for the knee but less for the hip as compared to the measured passive range of motion. Body mass index has a significant linear negative relationship with the passive range of motion of the knee, but not the hip.

Review of Medical Services for Inbound Muslim Patients Associated with Global Healthcare Industry Activation: Focus on Nutrition Service

This article aimed to investigate problems relating to medical tourism based on a review of medical tourism reports and statistics in the global healthcare industry. To be a leading nation in the global healthcare industry, the needs and culture of many peoples, including Muslims, should be considered. Qualified medical services by JCI certification, including nutrition services, will provide opportunities to participate in the international and Asia medical tourism markets. In this article, the definitions of medical tourism, medical service, Halal and Haram, nutrition service for inbound Muslim patients, and Halal food supply in Korea were examined for medical service improvement. Mutual assistance between the government and private enterprise, sharing of medical service information, and construction of a cooperative network system are needed and should be supported by the government.

The prevalence of glucose metabolism disturbances in Chinese Muslims and possible risk factors: a study from northwest China / Prevalência e possíveis fatores de risco de distúrbios no metabolismo da glicose em chineses muçulmanos: um estudo no noroeste da China

Objective To survey the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) in the Muslim population in northwest China, and discuss the risk factor. Materials and methods According to the income and the population, we randomly selected 3 villages with stratified and cluster sampling. The subjects were residents ≥ 20 years of age, and were from families which have been local for > 3 generations. The questionnaire and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were completed and analyzed for 660 subjects. Results The prevalence of DM and PDM between the Han and Muslim populations were different (P = 0.041). And the prevalence were also different with respect to age in the Han (P < 0.001) and Muslim population (P < 0.001) respectively. Except for the 20-year-old age group the prevalence of DM and PDM within the Muslim population was higher than the Han (P = 0.013), we did not find any significant difference for other age groups (P > 0.05). The intake of salt (P < 0.001) and edible oil (P < 0.001) in the Muslim population was higher than the Han, while cigarette smoking (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was lower. BMI (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.025), and smoking cigarettes (P = 0.011) were risk factors for DM and PDM, but alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was a protective factor. Conclusions In northwest China, the prevalence of DM was higher in the Muslim population, and it was special higher on the 20-year-old age compared to the Han. This might be explained by the potential genetic differences and poor dietary habits. .

Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de diabetes melito (DM) e pré-diabetes melito (PDM) na população muçulmana no noroeste da China e discutir os fatores de risco. Materiais e métodos Selecionamos três vilarejos de acordo com a renda e a população, usando uma amostra estratificada e por cluster. Os sujeitos eram residentes com ≥ 20 anos de idade e de famílias que estavam no local há mais de três gerações. Foram feitos e analisados um questionário e o teste de tolerância oral à glicose (TTOG) para 660 sujeitos. Resultados A prevalência do DM e PDM entre as populações Han e muçulmana foi diferente (P = 0,041), e as prevalências também foram diferentes com relação à idade na população Han (P < 0,001) e muçulmana (P < 0,001), respectivamente. Exceto pela faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, a prevalência do DM e PDM na população muçulmana foi maior do que na população Han (P = 0,013), não havendo diferenças significativas para as outras faixas etárias (P > 0,05). A ingestão de sal (P < 0,001) e óleos comestíveis (P < 0,001) na população muçulmana foi mais alta do que na população Han, enquanto o tabagismo (P < 0,001) e consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foram mais baixos. O IMC (P < 0,001), a idade (P = 0,025) e o tabagismo (P = 0,011) foram fatores de risco para o DM e PDM, mas o consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foi um fator protetor. Conclusões No noroeste da China, a prevalência de DM é maior na população muçulmana e é especialmente mais alta na faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, quando comparada com a população Han. Isso pode ser explicado por diferenças genéticas potenciais e hábitos alimentares ruins. .

Síndrome Respiratorio de Medio Oriente causado por un coronavirus y el Hajj: ¿potencial para una emergencia internacional? / Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by a coronavirus and Hajj: an international health threat?

La epidemiología de enfermedades infecciosas en eventos de concentración masiva requiere de un amplio planeamiento y control por parte de los centros de salud de cada país involucrado. El Síndrome Respiratorio de Medio Oriente causado por un coronavirus es causado por un nuevo virus identificado en Medio Oriente en el 2012. Hasta octubre del 2013 se cuentan con 138 casos confirmados por laboratorio con 60 muertes. Cada año, alrededor de dos millones de peregrinos se dirigen hacia La Meca en Arabia Saudita durante el Hajj, una de las concentraciones religiosas masivas más importantes del mundo. Este año se presenta una alerta particular por el Hajj dado que el coronavirus podría ser potencialmente diseminado hacia otros países debido a la movilización de personas que implica este acontecimiento. América posee 4,6 millones de residentes musulmanes, por lo que un adecuado seguimiento de las personas que viajaron a Medio Oriente es imperativo para evitar la diseminación de este coronavirus hacia el continente. La siguiente revisión tiene como objetivo actualizar al lector sobre el tema, brindando información general de los coronavirus, especialmente sobre el que causa el Síndrome Respiratorio de Medio Oriente, la historia en el surgimiento de la enfermedad y sus manifestaciones clínicas; se propone además una serie de recomendaciones generales para las autoridades de salud de cada país para evitar así una epidemia. (MÉD.UIS. 2013;27(1):25-33).

Infectious diseases epidemiology during a mass gathering requires ample planning and implementation of control measures by health authorities in each country involved. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by a coronavirus is caused by a newly identified virus in the Middle East during 2012. Until October 2013, 138 laboratory confirmed cases with 60 deaths have been reported. Every year, almost two million pilgrims direct themselves towards the Mecca in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj, one of the most important religious massive gatherings worldwide. This year represents a particular alert for this event due to the possibility that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by a coronavirus can thus be disseminated throughout the world because of pilgrims' mobilization. The American continent possesses 4.6 million Muslim residents that may participate in this event. Therefore, an adequate surveillance of the people who traveled to the Middle East is mandatory in order to avoid virus dissemination to our continent. Here we present an up-to-date topic revision, giving general information about coronaviruses, emphasizing on the coronavirus causing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the history of its emerging and its clinical manifestations. We propose also a series of general recommendations directed to the health authorities of each country for appropriate control of disease to prevent dissemination and a potential epidemic. (MÉD.UIS. 2013;27(1):25-33).

The Effectiveness of Ramadan Focused Education on Awareness and Glycemic Control of Diabetic Muslims (Type 2 Diabetes) During Ramadan Fasting

The majority of Muslim diabetic patients are unaware of complications during fasting, therefore diabetic patients who want to fast need a pre–Ramadan assessment and education to increase their awareness of the risks of fasting. This study examined the effectiveness of Ramadan focused education aimed at increasingself-awareness and glycemic control in Muslims with type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan. A pre and post experiment with a randomized controlled trail was being conducted among 212 patients at Primary Care Units of Songkhla. To be eligible, patient participants must be fasting diabetic patients during Ramadan.The study is a two-centre randomized wait-list controlled trial. Subjects were 108 patients who were allocated to the intervention group (educated about meal planning, physical activity, medications, recognizing and managing complications before Ramadan) and 104 patients were in the control group or wait list control (The control group received conventional group counseling).The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANCOVA, and t- test. After Ramadan, we observed no difference in FBS and HbA1c between intervention and control patients. On comparing the self-awareness score of realization of the diabetic patients between the intervention and the control groups after adjusting for baseline [adjusted difference1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI). 29, 1.71; P=0.005], the difference statistically significant (p< 0.005). The intervention significantly increased self-awareness. The role of structured education for patients is well established in the management of diabetes. This should be extended to Ramadan-focused diabetes education and drug modification program on awareness of self-care and glycemic control in Muslims with type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan in Thailand.

Determinants of maternal care utilization among young Muslim women in India

Indian Muslims, compared to their counterparts from other religions, lag behind on several yardsticks related to socioeconomic progress and the same is true with maternal health care utilization. Due to low age at marriage among Muslims, a majority of births is ascribed to young (15-24 years) mothers, which pose serious concerns on the maternal health care of Young Married Muslim women (YMMW). A thorough search of past literatures on Muslim women’s maternal health care reveals that the research on the determinants of maternal health care utilization among Muslim women is almost absent. Retrieving data from the National Family Health Survey -3 (2005-06) this study attempts to assess the level of utilization and factors effecting three key maternal health indicators [Full Antenatal Care (ANC), safe delivery and Postnatal Care (PNC)] among YMMW (15-24 years) in India. Bi-variate analysis and chi-square test was applied and variables which were found to be significant were further included in binary logistic regression. The findings of the study reveal abysmally low levels of utilization for all three indicators of maternal health care i.e. full ANC, safe delivery and PNC. Multivariate analysis reveals that no mass media exposure, lower autonomy, education, poor economic background, higher birth order and unintended pregnancy are some of the reasons behind low maternal health care utilization. The study suggests educating Muslim girls, promoting family planning use, involving media and collaboration between religious leader and health care system could be some important policy level interventions to address the unmet need of maternity services among YMMW. Existing government policies and programs should integrate YMMW who are poor and belong to backward states with poor demographic indicators.​

Diet-Related Behaviors and Food Preference of Indonesian / 대한지역사회영양학회지

As Korea is moving toward multicultural society, the number of Muslim, whose religion has a great influence on diet-related behaviors, is increasing in Korea. Since the number of immigrants from Indonesia ranks within top ten in Korea and Indonesia is one of the most representative Islamic countries in Asia, understanding the diet-related behaviors and food preferences of Indonesians is needed. This study was conducted to investigate diet-related behaviors, factors affecting the diet-related perceptions, and food preferences of the Indonesians. The subjects included 500 Indonesians dwelling in Jakarta, Indonesia. About ninety % of the subjects in this study were Muslims. They did not eat pork and dog meat for religious reason and they practiced fasting during Ramadan period. Indonesians avoided pineapple, durian, and hot foods during pregnancy and usually ate vegetables and fruits after birth, which seemed to be due to sociocultural influence. Among the subjects, 21.5% were obese and major health problems reported were hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Their preference for fried food items might have contributed to health problems. Subjects had meals mostly at home (2.3 times/day) and dined out occasionally (1.2 times/ week) at Indonesian restaurants (56.6%) or family restaurants (21.0%). In conclusion, Indonesians had home-based and native food-oriented dietary life with strong religious and sociocultural influence on food choices. Further research on specific nutrient intake analysis is needed to better understand and to improve dietary life of Indonesians in Korea.

Prevalence and hematological profile of β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in four communities of Surat city.

Background: From the data of transfusion-dependent thalassemia major cases, the 4 communities (Muslim, Dhodia Patel, Kachhiya Patel, and Modh Bania) with high prevalence but not studied methodically were selected. Aim: The aim of this study is to find prevalence of β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in 4 selected communities and also to evaluate hematological profile in them. Materials and Methods: For screening of β-thalassemia trait (BTT) and sickle cell trait (SCT), all samples were tested for red cell indices, solubility, HbA 2 level and doubtful cases confirmed on HPLC. Statistical Analysis: Mean ± SD, χ2 and 't' tests were used to evaluate the significance. Results and Conclusion: Among 4 selected communities, the highest prevalence of BTT was observed in Modh Bania (6.2%) and Kachhiya Patel (6.05%) and that of SCT in Dhodia Patel (14.0%). Significantly higher prevalence of BTT was observed in Memon ( P < 0.0001) and of SCT in Khalifa 6.6% ( P < 0.0001) compared to other Muslim sub castes. Anemia was more prevalent in BTT compared to non-BTT and non-SCT subjects. 80% of Dhodia Patel non-BTT and non-SCT subjects showed microcytic red cell morphology. Their Mean ± SD Hb concentration was 12.1 ± 1.73, hence iron deficiency cannot be a sole reason. This community needs α-thalassemia and iron studies.