Developing a Culturally Sensitive Nursing Framework for Muslim Patients Practicing Ramadan: Focusing on Fasting Benefits and Islamic Dietary Recommendations

Author

Amreen M. Munshi, Dominican University of CaliforniaFollow

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Primary Minor

International Studies

Second Minor

Cognitive and Experimental Science

Thesis Advisor

Kendra Hoepper DNP, APRN, PNP-BC

Abstract

Background: Muslims practice Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting from dawn to dusk, yet many healthcare providers lack knowledge of its principles and practices. Hospitals lack formal education on caring for fasting Muslim patients, leading to a knowledge deficit in cultural competence and sensitivity of Islamic practices. Purpose: This paper proposes a research design for a nurse education program on Ramadan fasting to promote cultural competence and sensitivity in nursing care. The proposed research aims to educate nurses on Islamic practices, particularly Ramadan, to bridge the cultural competency gap. The literature review also explores the health benefits of fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines. Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test survey design will be used, with approximately 50-75 licensed registered nurses. Participants must be actively employed with a minimum of one year of work experience in various specialty areas related to direct and indirect patient care. They will be randomly selected from hospitals within a large healthcare network in the Bay Area. A confidential electronic survey will determine their demographics and understanding regarding Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines using a Likert scale. Results: The collected data will be used to gauge competence levels before and after the education intervention. The findings of the research study will offer insight into the understanding and knowledge gaps of nurses regarding healthcare of fasting Muslim patients. Conclusion: Implementing a culturally competent nursing framework on Ramadan fasting and Islamic dietary guidelines is relevant to nursing care as it enhances knowledge on diverse patient populations. This research proposal will contribute to positive patient health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.