Changes in the mental wellbeing among Nigerians due to Ramadan intermittent fasting: A nationwide cross-sectional study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

This study examined mental wellbeing and associated factors among Nigerian adults who observed Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online study was conducted among 770 adult Nigerians who observed RIF. Using pre-tested, web-based questionnaires, data about mental wellbeing (depression, anxiety), spirituality, and intrinsic religiosity were collected using validated generalised anxiety disorder-2 (GAD-2) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), four-item spiritual wellbeing index (4-ISWBI) and the Muslim intrinsic religiosity questionnaire. Respondents' mental wellbeing before and during Ramadan was compared. The factors associated with the feeling of depression and anxiety were determined using multinomial regression analysis. When compared to mental wellbeing prior to Ramadan, observing RIF by Nigerian adults were associated with improved mental wellbeing.