How Well Do Saskatchewan Dietitians Support Muslim Fasters?

A recent study in Saskatchewan aimed to explore how well-versed dietitians are in supporting Muslims who fast during Ramadan. The survey, conducted online from January 31 to February 22, 2022, shed light on their knowledge, comfort levels, and access to resources. Most dietitians (90%) understood that fasting involves abstaining from food and drink. However, over half (55%) felt they didn't have the necessary nutrition guidelines to assist Muslims during Ramadan. Despite this, almost all participants (97%) agreed that understanding Ramadan is crucial for providing culturally safe care. Interestingly, many dietitians (71%) had no prior experience providing care during Ramadan. This lack of exposure could contribute to discomfort in handling fasting Muslims. Future research should delve deeper into how Canadian dietitians can better support Muslim communities during this sacred month.