Ramadan and eyedrops: the muslim perspective.

Abstract

To assess views of Muslims with regard to the use of eyedrops during fasting periods of Ramadan and to determine if demographic, religious, and educational factors or the perceived severity of an ocular condition influence these views. Cross-sectional survey. Two hundred adult Muslims. A questionnaire-based survey. The main outcome measures studied were the proportion of respondents who believe that the use of eyedrops during fasting hours of Ramadan would break the fast and the proportion of respondents who would use drops during fasting hours of Ramadan. Of the 200 questionnaires collected, 10 were excluded because of incomplete data entry (n = 190). Among respondents, 63.7% (n = 121) believe that using eyedrops during fasting periods of Ramadan would break the fast, and only 34.2% (n = 65) would use drops during this period. A further 34.2% (n = 65) would continue their regular treatment, 35.8% (n = 68) would use drops for a nonpainful eye condition, 66.8% (n = 127) for a painful eye condition, 35.3% (n = 67) for a condition that did not affect vision, and 75.8% (n = 144) would use drops during the fasting period for an eye condition if vision was affected. No significant association was noted when comparing views of respondents based on gender, occupation, education, and number of days the fast is observed. Statistical significance was reached when comparing the views of Muslims who would fast additional days if a fast was broken compared with those who would not (P<0.001). Ramadan could be an important cause for noncompliance with prescribed ophthalmic treatment. This study provides an insight into views of Muslims regarding use of eyedrops during Ramadan. The results suggest that extensive misuse of prescribed drops should be anticipated during Ramadan.