Psychological and Socio-Religious Effects of Ramadan Fasting Among Healthy Non-Smoker Adults

Background: Impaction of fasting on well-being was thoroughly researched, however, the psychological and socio-religious alterations during Ramadan fasting are still not well documented. Our investigation aimed to assess the impact of Ramadan fasting on psychological status and socio-religious activities among healthy non-smoker adults. Methods: A cohort, prospective study was carried out among a healthy volunteer group (50 subjects: 28 males, 22 females), of students and staff members, Faculty of Medicine, Gezira University, Central Sudan, during Ramadan fasting month that lasted for 30 days, and the fasting hours were 14–15 hours in moderately warm weather. A modified questionnaire from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) was used. An online survey was sent to the same volunteer group during Ramadan and one month after. Results: Study findings revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in total sleep time during Ramadan compared to the control period one month after Ramadan, among the total group (8.0±1.6, 8.5±1.1). Total scores for the general psychological disorders were significantly decreased during Ramadan fasting compared to the control period one month after Ramadan fasting meanwhile the total scorings of the socio-religious activities were significantly increased during Ramadan fasting compared to the control period after Ramadan, among the total group. Conclusion :The investigation revealed a noteworthy decline in negative psychological disorders and a significant increase in socio-religious activities throughout the month of Ramadan.