The evaluation of Ramadan fasting experience of patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative resection

Abstract

Objective: Patients who had curative treatment after a malignant disease frequently ask about their religious practices and especially Ramadan fasting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the survivors of gastric cancer patients whether they keep Ramadan fasting and the health conditions they experienced during the month of Ramadan. Materials and Methods: For this cross sectional observational study, first the files of patients who had gastrectomy due to malignancy between January 2011 and January 2018 in Gaziosmanpasa University Hospital were examined retrospectively. The surviving patients were scheduled for a meeting and a questionnaire was conducted in outpatient setting. Patients who were conceiving to fast in next Ramadan were invited for at least 2 visits again within one month before and one month after Ramadan. On their arrival, their weight was measured, laboratory test including albumin, haemoglobin, haematocrit, BUN and creatinine levels were obtained. Results: 11 (21%) of the 52 interviewed patients kept fasting in 2019 Ramadan. 5 of these patients were able to complete fasting (30 days) and 6 of them could partially (between 1-7 days). There was no weight loss in fasting patients after Ramadan (p gt; 0.05). In addition, no significant change was found in albumin, haemoglobin, haematocrit and creatinine values after Ramadan (p gt; 0.05). However increase in BUN level was statistically significant (p lt;0.05). Conclusion: Health professionals are likely to see fasting patients all over the world and they must be familiar with the physiological and psychological effects of fasting considering the spiritual and religious needs of the patients.

Keywords

• oruç
• gastrektomi
• ramazan
• maneviyat
• fasting
• gastrectomy
• ramadan
• spirituality