Shahid Azeem Mirza, Tahir Masaud Arbab, Amir Hussein, Fawad Rizvi, Dullah Khan M Abdullah.
Ramadan and eye drops: perspective of muslims in karachi pakistan.
Pak J Surg Jan ;28(1):70-5.

Purpose: To assess views of Muslims with regard to the use of eyedrops during fasting periods of Ramadan and to determine if demographic and educational factors or the ocular condition or disease infl uence these views. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants: Four hundred adult Muslims. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey conducted during month of Ramadan from August 10 to September 9, 2010. 400 Muslims from two mosques, two hospital and two medical colleges were asked to fi ll the specifi ed questionnaire that included questions regarding use of eyedrops during fasting. Results: Of the 400 questionnaires collected, 140 were excluded because of incomplete data entry (n - 260). Among respondents, 83.8% (n - 218) believe that using eyedrops during fasting periods of Ramadan would break the fast, and only 14.6% (n - 38) would use drops during this period. A further 13.8% (n- 36) would continue their regular treatment, 14.6% (n - 38) would use drops for a non painful eye condition, 58.4% (n - 152) for a painful eye condition, 14.6% (n - 38) for a condition that did not aff ect vision, and 46.9% (n - 122) would use drops during the fasting period for an eye condition if vision was aff ected. No signifi cant association was noted when comparing views of respondents based on gender, occupation, education, and number of days the fast is observed. Conclusions: Th is study provides an insight into views of Muslims regarding use of eyedrops during Ramadan. Th e results suggest that extensive misuse of prescribed drops should be anticipated during Ramadan.

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