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Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women in Türkiye. Aims: Explore the trends in female breast cancer mortality rates and the associated modifiable factors in Türkiye between 1990 and 2019. Study Design: Epidemiological descriptive analysis. Methods: The database of the Global Burden of Disease study was used to obtain data regarding breast cancer-related mortality and modifiable (behavioral and metabolic) risk factors among women in Türkiye from 1990 to 2019. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) for female breast cancer mortality rates was computed using the Joinpoint regression method. Results: From 1990 to 2009, the breast cancer mortality rates in Türkiye tended to increase [from 12.26/105 in 1990 to 12.65/105 in 2019; AAPC=0.1 "95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.1"]. In terms of breast cancer mortality attributed to modifiable factors, a 3°% increase was observed from 1990 (20.4%) to 2019 (23.1%), the highest contributor being high body mass index (3.19% in 1990 to 5.87% in 2019; AAPC=1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.5), followed by high fasting plasma glucose (5.01% in 1990 to 7.72% in 2019; AAPC=1.4; 95% CI: 1.3-1.5). Conclusion: The proportion of breast cancer-related deaths attributed to metabolic factors has been increasing in Türkiye from 1990 to 2019. Therefore, health policies aimed at managing metabolic factors in women are warranted to reduce breast cancer-related mortality in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nursing students' fasting during Ramadan on their risky behaviors. This study was conducted in a university located in 2022 using the prospective cohort study method. The data were collected from the nursing department students through face-to-face questionnaires. The sample of the study consisted of 186 nursing students. The data were obtained using a descriptive information form, which consists of questions regarding the descriptive characteristics of the nursing students, and the risky behaviors form, created by the researchers, to evaluate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on nursing students' risky behaviors. According to the findings of the research, it has been determined that the students who always fast during Ramadan have regular sahur. When the students' level of religious faith and fasting and having sahur status were compared with their risky behaviors, the mean scores of exercise and nutrition increased significantly, and the mean scores of interpersonal relationships decreased significantly. It was determined that the majority of students had a high level of religious faith, fasted and had sahur during Ramadan. Consequently, while Ramadan fasting negatively affected students' physical activity, nutrition and sleep patterns, it positively affected their interpersonal relationship status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to reveal the feelings, difficulties, attitudes, and spiritual coping status of Turkish patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus toward fasting during Ramadan. The sample of this descriptive qualitative study consists of 14 patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. We determined two main themes and relevant sub-themes. The first was "the feelings and difficulties experienced due to diabetes mellitus" with the sub-themes of "negative emotions" and "difficulties in fasting." The second theme was identified as "religious and spiritual coping" with the sub-themes of "believing the disease comes from God," "having difficulty in adhering to disease-specific practices while fasting," and "feeling that fasting facilitates coping and provides relief." In conclusion, it was determined that the patients continued to fast despite the difficulties and that fasting facilitated coping and provided relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Online Journal of Recreation & Sports is the property of Online Journal of Recreation & Sports and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Social Sciences Research / Sosyal Bilimler Arastirmalari Dergisi is the property of ODU Journal of Social Sciences Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ramadan, a one-month period in which eating and drinking are prohibited from sunrise to sunset, is considered sacred by Muslims. According to Islamic rules, fasting is obligatory for adults and healthy people, but patients and travelers are exempted from this rule. It is not clear whether pregnant women can fast during Ramadan. This cross-sectional case–control study included low-risk pregnant women at 32–37 weeks of gestation in Turkey. We examined healthy women in the last period of their pregnancy and found similar perinatal outcomes between the fasting and nonfasting participants. In the evaluation of fetal well-being, a decrease in the number of accelerations in the non-stress test (NST) and the need to repeat the test were found to be statistically significantly higher in fasting pregnant women. We consider that this may prolong the evaluation period and increase unnecessary hospitalizations due to nonreactive NST results. More randomized controlled trials are needed to conclude that fasting during pregnancy is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Culture & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly is the property of Turkish Cultur & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to determine the experiences of Muslim people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) about Ramadan in Türkiye. This phenomenological study was conducted with 30 Muslim people with Type 2 DM. The data were collected by holding in-depth individual interviews with a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-stage analysis and the MAXQDA-20 program. As a result, three main themes with 12 categories were determined as follows: (i) "the month of Ramadan and the meaning of fasting", (ii) "the effects of fasting", and (iii) "coping with difficulties". The participants stated that the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and that it includes worshiping, finding peace, completing oneself in the religious sense, purifying oneself from sins, resting physically and spiritually, and appreciating the meaning of hunger, thirst, and blessings. However, some people reported that there was social pressure when they did not fast. Health professionals should provide people with DM with regular and safe training specific to Ramadan, establish support groups, and cooperate with religious officials (imams) to meet their religious demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Namık Kemal Tıp Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Smoking is a serious public health challenge across the world. Fasting in Ramadan requires people to stay away from smoking as well as activities such as eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. We examined the effect of fasting on cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction during the Ramadan. Methodology: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire was prepared to determine sociodemographic data and smoking habits of a sample population. The questionnaire was delivered through face-to-face interviews at several family medicine clinics in Turkey, with smokers who fast in Ramadan. Results: There were 354 persons, of which 278 were male (78.5%), 76 were female (21.5%), and the mean age was 32.92 ± 11.84 years. A significant decrease in cigarette consumption during the Ramadan was reported by 285 (80.5%) smokers (p < .001). The number of smokers who had difficulty resisting the urge to smoke was less in Ramadan than non-Ramadan periods (p < .001). Religious sentiments were reported as the most important reason for coping with nicotine abstinence (53.7%). Significantly in 14.7% of the cases, participants stopped smoking during the whole period of Ramadan. Conclusions: Religious beliefs and willpower were found to be effective in helping people reduce or temporary stop smoking. Fasting may play a significant role in changing smoking behavior. Smoking cessation along with counseling supported by the state, health authorities, and clergy can be useful in the fight against smoking in Ramadan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the presence of microplastics in the stomach, and the relationship between pathological changes in stomach tissue and microplastics., Study Design: An analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Sorgun State Hospital, Yozgat, Turkiye, from December 2022 to November 2023., Methodology: Fasting gastric fluid sampling and endoscopic sampling including mucosal and submucosal layers from the antrum were performed. The pH values of the gastric fluids were recorded. Samples were analysed gradually by adding iron solution, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium chloride (NaCl) in a beaker at 75 degrees for 30 minutes. Biopsy materials obtained from antrum were examined histopathologically and reported according to the Sydney classification. The relationship between gastric biopsy results and the presence of microplastic was evaluated using Chi-square test. The significance level was taken as p <0.005., Results: The study included 61 individuals. The presence of microplastics was detected in 17 (27.86%) gastric fluid samples obtained from the individuals. A significant correlation was found between increased activity and inflammation in antrum biopsy and the presence of microplastic (χ2 = 8.55 p = 0.014; χ2 = 25.75, p = 0.001). The relationship between atrophy, metaplasia, and Helicobacter pylori in gastric tissue and the presence of microplastic was statistically insignificant (p >0.05)., Conclusion: Microplastics were detected in gastric fasting fluid. These materials can cause histopathologic changes and inflammation in the gastric antrum., Key Words: H. pylori, Intestinal metaplasia, Inflammation, Microplastic, Plastic, Sydney classification.

The aim of this study was to examine opinions and experiences of Muslim pregnant women about Ramadan fasting in Turkey. The study had a descriptive, phenomenological design and included 17 Muslim pregnant women living in Turkey. Content analysis and word cloud analysis were performed. The content analysis revealed two themes. The most frequent words in the word cloud analysis were fasting, pregnancy, Ramadan, fast, religious duty, health, observing a missed fast, relief, concern, baby, thirsty and hungry. The findings of the study showed that religious beliefs, experiences, family and society pressured the pregnant women to keep Ramadan fasts. However, due to feeling worried about their own physical and psychological health and their infants, some of the women did not go on a fast. It can be recommended that pregnant women wanting to keep their fasts should be offered information about possible risks of fasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religions seem to defy the law-of-demand, which suggests that all else equal, an increase in the cost of an activity will induce individuals to decrease the resources they spend on that activity. Rather than weakening religious organizations, evidence shows that the sacrifices exacted by religious practices are positively associated with the success of those organizations. We present the first strong evidence that this association is neither spurious nor endogenous. We use a natural experiment that rests on a peculiar time-shifting feature of Ramadan that makes the fasting duration—our measure of sacrifice—vary not just by latitude but from year-to-year. We find that a half-hour increase in fasting time during the median Ramadan day increases the vote shares of Islamist political parties by 11 percent in Turkey's parliamentary elections between 1973 and 2018, and results in one additional attendee per 1,000 inhabitants for voluntary Quran courses. We further investigate two mechanisms, screening and commitment, that could explain the effects we find. By testing their divergent implications, we infer that commitment is the mechanism triggered by sacrifice, which drives up the intensity of religious beliefs and participation that in turn bolster the success of religious organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Communication Theory & Research / Iletisim Kuram ve Arastirma Dergisi is the property of Gazi University, Faculty of Communication and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Time is an abstract concept that human beings try to measure with material objects throughout their lives. With the images left by us and the events around them, we find a place in our thinking world, our lives. In communities living on earth, it was an effort to visit him, to know time in his time and to give meaning to it. Mankind has put names in time like past, present and future, and has made efforts for ages to measure time. He developed time-measuring instruments using the materials closest to him. They used sundials as well as sand, oil and water-operated clocks. The use of these clocks, which were built on the facades of the buildings of the Anatolian Seljuks, Beyliks and Ottoman Periods and in the needed areas and still survive until the beginning of the 20th century, continued in Turkish Culture. Parallel to these, Astrolob / Usturlap, Rub Tahu Board and Kiblenumas were used. Over time, these developed into mechanical watches. There have been many publications about clocks, clock towers and muvakkithanes indicating time. However, the understanding that shaped the concept of time and the sciences and scholars, professions, tools and materials and the integration of the complementary activities that are formed around each other are not mentioned. Due to the fact that prayer and fasting in Islam is closely related to time, a great sensitivity has been given to the measurement of time in Turkish-Islamic societies. It was determined from the documents obtained during this study on more than one hundred and thirty foundations that were given interim examples, that the muvakkitlik profession, which European scientists attributed to the end of the 13th century, was performed in Anatolia a century ago. For these works, which were previously carried out within the structures of madrasah, library, mosque, then again, the construction of independent buildings near and near the buildings was brought to the agenda. The instruments showing the altitude used to measure the necessary time in the hardware of these structures are the clocks that indicate the time and the types that developed over time, forming the other ring of this circle. Again, in the perception of time, the definitions of months, years, days and blessed days and nights in certain slices of time are given. The most important aim of this study is to reveal how the foundations, which have an important place in Turkish-Islamic culture and reached its peak in the Ottoman Period, played a role in shaping the concept of time. In this context, the developing occupations, monumental structures such as muvakkithane, clock towers and clocks which are used today in these structures as movable cultural assets, and usturlab / octat / altitude device / rubu board, will be determined. The geography in which the perception of time shaped in Ottoman society changed over time and its reflections on institutions and architecture will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of intermittent fasting of Ramadan on resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, and nutritional status. Methods. The study was conducted on a total of 27 adults (16 females, 11 males) who were fasting (18 h) in the Ramadan month (May 6–June 3) of 2019. REE was measured using the indirect calorimeter. Dietary energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated by 3-day food records in baseline and post-Ramadan. Body composition and some metabolic parameters were analyzed simultaneously with REE measurements. All measurements were performed two times at baseline, and post-Ramadan. Results. Body weight (−2.9% vs. −1.4%), body mass index (BMI) (−3.1% vs. −2.1%), fat-free mass (−2.7% vs. −1.4%), and hydration status were decreased in both males and females after the Ramadan fasting (p < 0.05). REEs (kcal/d) of the participants were 1708.1 ± 262.50 kcal/d and 1596.5 ± 302.27 kcal/d at baseline and post-Ramadan, respectively (6.5%) (p < 0.05). This decrease in REE (kcal/d) in females was greater than that in males (−8.1% vs. −4.6%). However, no statistically significant difference was found in sleep duration (h), physical activity levels, dietary energy and nutrient intakes, and blood pressures (mm Hg) of both genders compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Intermittent circadian fasting may lead to a decreased energy expenditure and a change in fat-free mass in healthy individuals, and this effect is interpreted as gender-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PRAKSIS is the property of PRAKSIS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin levels., Methods: In this study, the blood of 19 healthy male individuals between the ages of 26 and 51, registered in Agri (Turkey) Family Health Center and fasting during Ramadan, was studied. The study was carried out in 2021-2022. The SPSS-22 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Wilcoxon analysis was used in the study., Results: It was determined that the pre-test-post-test melatonin and cortisol levels of the individuals were not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was determined that the pre-test-post-test serotonin difference of the individuals was statistically significant (p<0.05)., Conclusion: It has been determined that Ramadan fasting increases the serotonin level of individuals but does not change the levels of melatonin and cortisol. It was determined that the level of happiness of individuals increased after Ramadan fasting. Longitudinal studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting are recommended., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)

Copyright of Cumhuriyet Ilahiyat Dergisi / Cumhuriyet Theology Journal is the property of Cumhuriyet Universitesi, Ilahiyat Fakultesi / Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Theology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Academic Research in Nursing (JAREN) is the property of Hemsirelikte Egitim ve Arastirma Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background The burden of cardiovascular risk is distributed unequally between ethnic groups. It is uncertain to what extent this is attributable to ethnic differences in general and abdominal obesity. Therefore, we studied the contribution of general and abdominal obesity to metabolic cardiovascular risk among different ethnic groups. Methods We used data of 21 411 participants of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African-Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish or Moroccan origin in Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Obesity was defined using body-mass-index (general) or waist-to-height-ratio (abdominal). High metabolic risk was defined as having at least two of the following: triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/l, fasting glucose ≥5.6 mmol/l, blood pressure ≥130 mmHg systolic and/or ≥85 mmHg diastolic and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <1.03 mmol/l (men) or <1.29 mmol/l (women). Results Among ethnic minority men, age-adjusted prevalence rates of high metabolic risk ranged from 32 to 59% vs. 33% among Dutch men. Contributions of general obesity to high metabolic risk ranged from 7.1 to 17.8%, vs. 10.1% among Dutch men, whereas contributions of abdominal obesity ranged from 52.1 to 92.3%, vs. 53.9% among Dutch men. Among ethnic minority women, age-adjusted prevalence rates of high metabolic risk ranged from 24 to 35% vs. 12% among Dutch women. Contributions of general obesity ranged from 14.6 to 41.8%, vs. 20% among Dutch women, whereas contributions of abdominal obesity ranged from 68.0 to 92.8%, vs. 72.1% among Dutch women. Conclusions Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, contributes significantly to the prevalence of high metabolic cardiovascular risk. Results suggest that this contribution varies substantially between ethnic groups, which helps explain ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alevism, shortly defined as those who love Ali, spread to Anatolia after the acceptance of Islam by the Turks and continued to live in different regions in different ways to date. The difference between the Anatolian Alevis was revealed by the substantial studies conducted with different scholars in several disciplines. In addition to these studies, this study aims to examine the approaches of Alewites living in Yozgat on basic Islamic principles. The study was carried out in Sorgun district which has the highest Alevi population following the city center. Alevi population lives in 19 villages in Sorgun district. In this study, interviews were conducted with 21 people living in 8 selected villages. In the interview, some questions about basic worship principles in Alevisim such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, zakat, sacrifice and the cem rites were asked to the participants. According to the findings, the Sorgun Alawites have a similar understanding of worship with the other Anatolian Alevis. The majority of Sorgun Alevis do not pray. In addition, they accept Hacı Bektaş-i Velî as a pilgrimage instead of Kabe, accept the muharrem fast as the main fast, adhere to the sacrifice worship but also prefer to sacrifice under different names and accept the tax given to the state as zakat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the associated risk factors during pregnancy in Turkey. Methods: The sample of this descriptive and comparative study consisted of 458 pregnant women who referred to the Gynecology Clinic of a university hospital and were administered Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) between November 29, 2017 and June 29, 2018. The data were collected by the information form for pregnant women and the risk assessment form. Percentage, mean, student t test and chi-square test were used for statistical evaluation. Results: 17.5% of pregnant women were diagnosed with GDM by the physician. The prevalence of GDM was high in pregnant women who were primary school graduates, who did not work, who were obese, who had four or more pregnancies, who had family history of diabetes and who had high fasting blood glucose level (p<0.05). In addition, prevalence of GDM was found significantly high in pregnant women who had history of stillbirth or neonatal death and had a birth defect in previous births (p<0.05). Conclusion: Almost one fifth of the sample population was having GDM and the major risk factors associated with GDM were educational level, working status, body mass index, number of pregnancies, family history of diabetes, fasting blood glucose values, history of stillbirth or neonatal death and birth defects in previous births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Studies have shown a relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and migraine that is more evident in some migraineurs. Long-term use of various drugs and increased risk of diverse side effects is an unavoidable reality in this population of patients. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate factors associated with IR in migraine and the impact of chronic usage of various drugs, which might play a part in development of IR. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Gebze Fatih General Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey. Subjects Migraine patients (N = 150) were investigated. Methods Weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were also measured. IR was selected as a dependent variable. The independent variables included age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of migraine, diabetes mellitus and hypertension, characteristics of pain, migraine triggers and subgroups, medication used during attack treatment, medication used as prophylactic treatment, and oral contraceptive treatment. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results Central obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 7.131, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.451–20.741, P  < 0.0001), metoclopramide treatment during an attack (OR = 3.645, 95% CI = 0.996–13.346, P  = 0.041), family history of DM (OR = 3.109, 95% CI = 1.189–8.132, P  = 0.035), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage during an attack (OR = 2.578, 95% CI = 1.053–6.311, P  = 0.043), and negative family history of hypertension (OR = 0.226, 95% CI = 0.085–0.602, P  = 0.002) were significant factors for exhibiting IR in migraine. Conclusions Our study demonstrates an association between metoclopramide and NSAID treatments and IR in migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fasting times before surgery continue to be a widespread practice in Turkey. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between traditional fasting policies and preoperative patient discomfort. Patients included were undergoing breast, hernia, thyroid, or abdominal operations at a general surgery clinic. Participants were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statuses I and II. A Likert-type scale was used to describe the effects of midnight fasting. Peripheral blood sugar and vital signs were measured immediately before induction of anesthesia. Of 164 participants, mean age was 53.56 ± 13.47 years. Mean preoperative fasting times were 13.34 ± 3.07 h for solids and 12.44 ± 2.82 h for fluids. Immediately before surgery, 6.1% of patients were extremely thirsty, 5.5% were hungry, and 39% had mild dryness of the mouth. There was a weak positive correlation between total duration of solid fasting and thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, and weakness immediately preoperatively. Prolonged fasting before surgery was associated with patients' discomfort. Current evidence-based guidelines for preoperative fasting may improve patients' satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lunar month of Ramadan is an important time period for Muslims around the world. In this study, we examine whether Ramadan brings happiness to individuals. For this purpose, we conducted a survey once before Ramadan, three times during Ramadan, and once after Ramadan. Our results show that with every week in Ramadan, a small boost of happiness is reported. Yet, two weeks after Ramadan, people seem to return to their baseline level of happiness. We suggest that Ramadan is associated with higher well-being due to increased socialization as non-fasting and those who fast partially also has statistically higher happiness scores than pre-Ramadan sample. Yet, those who have highest happiness scores are those who fasted fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate whether fasting diabetic patients received recommendations regarding fasting or they consulted the physicians before and during Ramadan along with the affect of sociodemographic factors on Ramadan fasting. The study was conducted on 190 diabetic patients after 2014 Ramadan Month. A questionnaire was collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes-related characteristics, recommendations of physicians, and behavioral patterns of fasting patients. Overall 41.6% of diabetic patients fasted during Ramadan. 83.5% of them did not go to physician during Ramadan, 65.8% did not consult physicians before fasting and 12.7% were informed by physicians regarding fasting and diabetes. Result of the study was that both physicians and patients were not well aware of the importance of pre-Ramadan education and close follow-up during fasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Some evidence suggests that serum lipoprotein[Lp](a) may be inversely linked to type-2 diabetes. We aimed to determine in nondiabetic people the relationship of serum [Lp](a) with insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes (NOD).Materials and Methods: Population-based middle-aged adults (n = 1685) were categorized by fasting glucose and stratified to gender, having excluded prevalent diabetic subjects. NOD (n = 90) occurred over a median 5 years' follow-up.Results: Subjects that subsequently developed NOD, derived both from the normoglycemia and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups,were distinguished, among others, primarily by significantly elevated serum gamma glutamyltransferase, reduced Lp(a) (by 31%) and, compared to IFG, by low total cholesterol levels. Partial correlation of Lp(a) with homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was inverse in normoglycemic men; such correlation, neutral in normoglycemic women, proved inverse in IFG (r = -0.17). Circulating Lp(a) in individuals with paired measures increased significantly (1.55-fold) in the period from baseline up to NOD. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis for NOD in combined sexes indicated independent and additive prediction by serum Lp(a), albeit inverse in direction (RR 0.84, [95%CI 0.72; 0.97]).Conclusion: Lp(a) is significantly reduced in the period preceding NOD and is inversely associated with HOMA index, observations consistent with underlying autoimmune activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the changes of osmolarity levels due to fasting in Ramadan among type 2 diabetic patients., Methods: The observational study was conducted from May 16 to June 3, 2019, at the Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised adult type 2 diabetic patients of either gender visiting the diabetes outpatient clinics during the holy month of Ramadan. Those fasting were placed in Group A, while those not fasting formed Group B. Anthropometric measurements and medications in use were recorded. Blood samples were taken in the morning and before the evening meal. Serum osmolality was calculated using serum levels of sodium, glucose and blood urea nitrogen. Data was analysed using SPSS 16., Results: Of the 52 patients, 27(52%) were in Group A and 25(48%) were in Group B. Overall, there were 22(42%) females and 30(58%) males. The mean morning serum osmolalities of the two groups were not different (p>0.05). The mean evening serum osmolality was not significantly different than the mean morning osmolality in Group A (p=0.22). In Group B, the mean evening serum osmolality was significantly lower than the mean morning osmolality (p=0.004). No significant difference was found between mean morning and evening serum osmolalities of those taking sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (p>0.05)., Conclusions: There was no biochemical sign of dehydration with Ramadan fasting in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients., Clinical Trial Number: [NCT04392570] Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on fatigue in nurses. The study was conducted between June 19 and July 27, 2014, with a descriptive design. This study was completed with 99 nurses working in a public hospital in the city of Gaziantep located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. The data of the study were collected by using a questionnaire and the Piper Fatigue Scale. The Piper Fatigue Scale includes 4 subscale/dimensional scores and total fatigue scores. Higher scores indicate more fatigue. Statistical significance levels were set at P < .05. It was determined that the fatigue subscale and total mean scores of nurses increased in a statistically significant manner except for the affective subscale after the month of Ramadan (P < .05). In addition, it was found that the fatigue mean scores of those, who were working for 0 to 4 years, were employed in surgery units, and evaluated their health as bad, were higher (P> .05). The Ramadan fasting increased fatigue levels of nurses. Therefore, it is of vital importance to evaluate fatigue levels of nurses especially in the month of Ramadan and take the necessary precautions in terms of patient and personnel safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study was designed to compare the pharmacokinetic properties and tolerability of the newly developed sustained release (SR) tablet of etodolac 600 mg (NOBEL 1LAC, Turkey), with those of the conventional tablet of the marketed innovator formulation, Iodine SR tablet, 600 mg from Almirall Ltd, England, administrated into healthy male subjects in fasting and fed conditions. Material and Method: Both fasting study and fed study were a single centre, open-label, randomised, single oral dose, cross-over, two sequence, two-period study. 36 subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to a computer-generated randomization scheme. The subjects in group 1 received the reference formulation in Period 1 and the test formulation in Period 2, and those in group 2 vice versa, with a 7 day washout period between Periods 1 and 2. Totally 21 blood sample points were selected including predose. The determination of etodolac was performed using a validated high performance liquid chromatography occupied with UV (HPLC-UV) in lithium heparinised human plasma. Results: Pharmacokinetic findings showed that the newly developed SR tablet of NOBEL ILAC was bioequivalent to the marketed innovator formulation in healthy population under fasting and fed conditions. Conclusions: Results indicated that the new SR formulation of NOBEL ILAC can be used interchangeably with the formulation of the innovator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Islamic religion, daytime fasting during the month called Ramadan is an annual practice. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting and maternal hypoalbuminaemia on neonatal growth parameters. A prospective case–control study was conducted in Diyarbakir and Istanbul, Turkey. The sample size of fasting group was 168 and that of non-fasting group was 170. Demographic characteristics, obstetrics ultrasonographic findings and laboratory parameters of the participants were recorded. Neonatal anthropometric parameters and placental weight were noted. The mean placental weight was significantly higher in the fasting group (p =0.037). Also, in the fasting group, pregnant women with hypoalbuminaemia had significantly higher placental weight (p =0.009). In conclusion, the mean placental weight in the fasting group was significantly higher. Also a significant correlation between placental weight and maternal serum albumin level was observed in the fasting group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal neutrophil gelatinase-asssociated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and fetal renal artery (fRA) Doppler flow indices in pregnant women fasting in Ramadan in respect of dehydration in long hot summer days as a marker of hypoperfusion and early renal injury.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out at a University Hospital. Fasting pregnant women and non-fasting age, gravidity and gestational age-matched women were evaluated for hematologic, blood biochemistry and urine parameters in the first and fourth weeks of the Ramadan. Umbilical artery and fRA Doppler flows were studied in each evaluation.Results: Blood urea nitrogen, potassium and hematocrit levels, blood and urine NGAL levels were significantly higher, and fRA Doppler indices increased in fasting women (p < 0.05) during the second visit in the last week of the Ramadan, while non-fasting women had no significant alterations in each evaluation (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Adequate maternal vascular volume is essential for the maintenance of healthy pregnancy. Fasting during the long and hot summer days leads to fluid deprivation and dehydration which was found to be related to subclinical maternal renal dysfunction and increased fRA Doppler indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes a balanced panel data set covering 50 monthly observations regarding the brewery products to examine the impact of holy month Ramadan on alcohol consumption in Turkey. In addition to the Ramadan, temperature, prices of the products and disposable income are other demand factors which are taken into account in this study. As expected, the Ramadan has been found to be associated with lower alcohol usage. As price of alcoholic drinks increases, the alcohol consumption decreases significantly. In addition, alcohol consumption rises with the enhancements in the disposable income. However, surprisingly, the temperature has not any significant effect on alcohol consumption in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In the Islamic religion, Ramadan is a month in the year that is passed by fasting. Healthy adult individuals are prohibited to eat, drink, and smoke from sunrise to sunset. In the present study, our aim was to assess the relation of Ramadan fasting with fetal development and maternal-fetal Doppler indices in pregnant women. Methods: This is a prospective case-control study carried out in the month of Ramadan in 2013 (9 July-7 August). One hundred and six pregnant women at the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were enrolled into the study. The sample size of the fasting group was 83 and the non-fasting group sample size was also 83. Fetal biometric measurements, such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, and Doppler indices of both uterine and umbilical arteries were evaluated by gray scala and color Doppler ultrasound at the beginning and end of Ramadan. Results: At the end of the Ramadan, increase in biparietal diameter, head circumference, and femur length showed a statistically significant difference from initial measurements (P<0.05). When fasting and non-fasting groups were compared separately, an increase in amniotic fluid index was statistically significant in the non-fasting group (P<0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated some adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on fetal development. In the Islamic religion, pregnant individuals have the privilege of not fasting; therefore, they should consider postponing fasting to the postpartum period, especially in the summer season. If they are willing to do so, an appropriate nutritional program should be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramadan fasting can be considered as a kind of dietary restriction. Eating restriction is a risk factor for later development of eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Ramadan fasting changes the eating behaviours of obese women. Our sample consisted of 34 obese women who fasted during the Ramadan month. The data were collected by using Questionnaire Form, Eating Attitude Test (EAT) and Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE). No statistically significant differences were found between the scores of EAT, BITE, BMI, which were administered within the weeks before and after Ramadan. According to our results, Ramadan fasting restrictions do not seem to change the eating behaviours of obese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the risk of severe hypoglycemia in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) starting insulin therapy with premixed insulin analogues alone or in combination with oral antihyperglycemic medications. Material and Method: Data from a subset of Turkish patients who participated in a 1-year, multinational, multicenter, prospective observational study were evaluated. Insulin treatment was initiated using commonly prescribed premixed regimens: insulin lispro mixture 25/75 (25% insulin lispro, 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension) or biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (30% insulin aspart, 70% insulin aspart protamine suspension) twice daily. Results: Of the 154 patients treated, 61 (39.6%) were male with a mean age of 56 years and a T2DM duration of 8.9 years. Twelve patients (7.8%) experienced ≥1 episode of severe hypoglycemia, but all recovered. The severe hypoglycemic rate was 0.14 episodes/patient-year. The mean glycated hemoglobin decreased by 2.7% (10.4% to 7.8%) and fasting plasma glucose by 115.9 mg/dL (265.3 mg/dL to 157.6 mg/dL) (p<0.0001). Self-monitored blood glucose (2-hour post morning meal) decreased by 163.3 mg/dL (327.0 mg/dL to 216.2 mg/dL; p<0.0001). Self-monitored blood glucose level was low, particularly at the 2-hour post evening meal. Body mass index increased by 1.4 kg/m2, and total daily insulin dose by 4.2 IU. Discussion: In Turkish patients with T2DM, initiation of premixed insulin analogues during routine clinical care significantly improves glycemic control during the first year of treatment, but comes with a risk for severe hypoglycemia. Improvements in physician and patient education within the Turkish population regarding hypoglycemia management may be of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diurnal Ramadan fasting on cardiometabolic risk factors (blood glucose, lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines) and sleep quality in healthy Turkish adults. This prospective observational study was conducted with a total of 32 individuals (12 males, 20 females) who were aged between 19-32 years and fasted for 25 or more continuous days in Ankara, Turkey between 1 Ramadan 1442 and 30 Ramadan 1442. Individuals applied fasting for 16 hours in the spring season. Blood samples were taken after at least 8 hours of fasting, anthropometric measurements were taken and sleep quality was assessed using The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at the beginning and the end of Ramadan. There was a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels during Ramadan fasting (p < .005). There were no changes in lipid profiles and sleep quality. There was a significant increase in fasting blood glucose levels (p < .05); however, this change is within normal limits. There was also a significant relationship between BMI and CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (p < .05). The diurnal Ramadan fasting did not affect lipid profiles and sleep quality in healthy Turkish subjects. However, decreased BMI and inflammatory cytokine levels were observed at the end of Ramadan fasting. More studies are needed to clarify the role of Ramadan fasting in healthy populations.

Background: Religion, which occupies an important place in culture, has an effect on not only the patient's acceptance of the treatment but also his or her post-treatment life style. Aim: The purpose of this paper was to determine the performance of religious rituals in abdominal stoma patients and their views on the effects of stoma on religious worship. Methodology: A descriptive and cross sectional design was used in this study. The sample consisted of 66 patients. The researchers developed a set of questions regarding the individual's background and characteristics of stoma and prayer rituals and fasting during Ramadan. Frequency, percentages, mean, range and chi-square test was used to analyze. Results: It was found that 87.9% of the patients (n=58) fasted regularly before stoma-creation, which decreased to 43.9% (n=29) after stoma creation; 74.2% of the patients (n=49) prayed regularly before stoma creation, which decreased to 53% (n=35) after stoma-creation. The comparison of practices of fasting (χ2: 7.13; p<0.01) and praying (χ2: 25.85; p<0.001) before and after stoma surgery revealed a statistically significant difference. 69.0% of the participants, who were unable to fast after stoma creation, were afraid of causing damage to the stoma whereas 71.4% of the participants who were unable to pray reported not having performed their prayers due to feeling unclean. 27.6% of the participants who fasted after stoma creation reported having felt discomfort. Conclusions: In this study, we found that the performance of fasting and praying decreased in patients after stoma surgery. This finding indicates that stoma significantly affects fasting and praying in patients and that patients are unable to perform these religious duties or experience some difficulties in performing their religious worship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate whether fasting during Ramadan has any significant effects on maternal oxidative stress or fetal health in healthy, pregnant women with an uncomplicated, second-trimester, singleton pregnancy. Methods: During the month of Ramadan, 1–29 September 2008, 42 fasting and 30 non-fasting pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from maternal serum samples taken on a fasting day during Ramadan. The two groups underwent routine follow-up examinations. At the end of the pregnancy, maternal complications, birth weight and maternal weight gain during the entire pregnancy were noted. To evaluate whether the duration of fasting days (10 or 15 days) had any significant effects on maternal oxidative stress, pregnant women who observed Ramadan for more than nine days or those who fasted for more than 14 days were compared with the control group in terms of TAS, TOS and OSI. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups studied in terms of TAS, TOS, OSI, maternal age, gestational age, parity, birth weight or weight gain during the pregnancy. The TAS level was evaluated as significantly higher (P = 0.027) in the 10 fasting days group compared to the non-fasting control group, while there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to TOS and OSI. Conclusion: Maternal fasting during Ramadan during the second trimester does not have a significant effect on maternal oxidative stress, fetal development or fetal birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummaryObjective To investigate the attitudes and practices of breastfeeding mothers regarding fasting in Ramadan. Design Cross-sectional observational survey. Setting Well-child care clinic at Ankara University Medical School and a health station serving an impoverished population in Ankara, Turkey. Participants Breastfeeding mothers of infants aged 12 months or younger. Main outcome measures Fasting during Ramadan. Results Of the 164 participating mothers, 61 (37%) were from the health station and 103 (63%) from the university clinic. Most mothers were older than 25 years of age (55%), had more than primary school education (64%), a single child (53%), were living in a nuclear family setting (70%), supplementing breastfeeding (73%) and fasting (52%). Among the 129 mothers of infants aged 6 months or younger, 22% perceived a decrease in their breast milk and 23% an increase in the amount of solid supplements the infant was receiving. Belief that breastfeeding mothers should fast (RR = 6.45, 95% CI: 2.44–17.06), that fasting does not decrease breast milk (RR = 6.24, 95% CI: 1.85–21.05), receiving well-child care at the health station (RR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.33–7.44), giving supplements (RR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.09–7.27) and having multiple children (RR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.23–6.28) were associated with fasting, in a logistic regression model. Conclusions Fasting by breastfeeding mothers of infants is common during Ramadan, and rates are affected by beliefs of mothers on the effects of fasting on breastfeeding. We believe that child health care providers need to be knowledgeable about religious and cultural phenomena, study the effects of Ramadan fasting and form links with Islamic teachings to find religiously and culturally appropriate methods to combat the possible unfavourable effects for infants and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine the approaches of family physicians in Turkey towards the fasting of diabetic patients and whether they used international treatment guidelines when making recommendations. In addition, this study also aimed to increase the awareness of family physicians about this issue before Ramadan, which is a month of fasting., Material and Method: The study herein comprised cross-sectional, observational research. Before Ramadan 2018, a structured questionnaire form, which was unique to this study, was prepared based on the guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), through platforms where family physicians gather via social media and mail groups, and sent to family physicians in Turkey via a link using an electronic questionnaire preparation and application programme. Moreover, the total knowledge level, attitude, and approach scores were calculated from the questions prepared from the relevant guidelines., Results: Participating in the survey were 262 family physicians. Only 22% of the family physicians stated that they were aware of the international guidelines for Ramadan and diabetes management, and only 10% said that they had read them. The mean knowledge level, attitude, and approach scores were determined to be lower than expected, and a significant difference was found between the scores and academic titles., Conclusion: The lack of international guidelines on the subject, and of knowledge and experience about Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patient management during the month of fasting, stood out as the biggest problems. This study revealed that the awareness and competence of family physicians in disease management should be increased, in addition to that of fasting before, during, and after Ramadan in patients with DM, which has increasing prevalence in Turkey., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: TCF7L2 is a repressor and transactivator of genes, and its variants are strongly associated with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific relationship between the most common TCF7L2 gene variants (-98368G>T, rs12255372 and -47833C>T, rs7903146) with diabetes and coronary heart disease in Turkish Adult Risk Factor (TARF) Study., Methods: Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) have been genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assays in 2,024 (51.3% in women, age: 55±11.8) Turkish adults participating in the TARF study. Statistical analyses were used to investigate the association of genotypes with clinical and biochemical measurements., Results: Among the TARF study participants, 11.7%, 24.3%, 14.1%, and 38.3% had diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), and obesity, respectively. The frequencies of T allele for -47833C>T and -98368G>T in Turkish adults were determined to be 0.35 and 0.33, respectively. -47833C>T was significantly associated with higher fasting glucose concentrations in all participants, especially in men. Both SNVs were significantly associated with diabetes and CHD in all participants (p<0.05). When study population was stratified according to sex, -98368G>T was associated with diabetes in women (p=0.041) and -47833C>T was associated with diabetes and CHD in men (p=0.018 and p=0.032, respectively). Also, both SNVs and the diplotypes of common haplotype (H1) remained strongly associated with type 2 diabetes after risk factors were adjusted (p<0.05)., Conclusion: T allele homozygosity of two SNVs as well as the diplotype H1-/H1- reflects risk of diabetes primarily in men. Enhanced CHD risk is determined by the presence of diplotype H1-/H1- among nondiabetic participants.

Objective: To evaluate the changes in thyroid functions in Ramadan, and compare late evening and pre-seheri use of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism., Study Design: Cross-sectional study., Place and Duration of Study: Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Ataturk Education and Research Hospital and Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Turkey, from May to June 2018., Methodology: Patients who were on levothyroxine treatment and having normal thyroid functions were recruited for the study in the last one week before Ramadan. Patients were offered to take levothyroxine at 22.30-23.00 pm before sleep or between 01:30-03:00 am at least 30 min pre-seheri., Results: There were 53 (85.5%) female and 9 (14.5%) male patients. Basal thyrotrophin (TSH) was 2.02 μIU/mL (0.27-4.14) and insignificantly increased at the end of Ramadan [2.18 μIU/mL (0.04-19.69), p=0.167]. Free-triiodothyronine (fT3) decreased while free-thyroxine (fT4) increased (p<0.001 for both). Eighteen patients preferred to take levothyroxine in late evening and 44 preferred to take at pre-seheri. There were insignificant increases in TSH in both groups (p=0.401 and p=0.276, respectively). At the end of Ramadan, TSH increased in 39 (63.9%), decreased in 22 (36.1%), and did not change in one patient., Conclusion: Increase in TSH was not significant after Ramadan. While there was an insignificant increase in median TSH, about one-third of patients had lower TSH, indicating for the need to evaluate every patient individually and follow closely during Ramadan. Clinical studies with larger sample sizes will be helpful to determine the optimal time for levothyroxine use during Ramadan. Key Words: Thyroid functions, Ramadan fasting, Hypothyroidism, Levotyhroxine.

Objective: The present bibliometric study aimed to identify and perform the analysis of top one hundred cited publications on Ramadan fasting and health., Methods: The Web of Science database was searched for publication analyses of the papers published from January 2004 till June 2019. The search was performed using keywords "Ramadan" AND "Health" OR "Fast*". The descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS (version 20) software. The coauthor collaborations and keywords were analyzed using VOS viewer software (version 1.6.11)., Results: The present study found that the United Kingdom was the most productive country (n=15) followed by Turkey (n=13), Tunisia (n=12) and Saudi Arabia (n=11). The most prominent institution was National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports, Tunisia (n=7) followed by King Saud University, Saudi Arabia (n=6) and Loughborough University, United Kingdom (n=5)., Conclusion: The most frequently occurring keywords in this analysis were Ramadan, fasting, exercise, Ramadan fasting and physical performance. The present study provides insight into the impactful papers pertaining to Ramadan fasting and associated health benefits., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

There is an increasing interest in the effects of preoperative anxiety on the course and outcomes of surgical treatments and also in the studies about the anxiety-decreasing interventions. The present study aims to identify the relationship between the preoperative anxiety level of the individuals prior to aesthetic surgery operations such as nose, ear, eyelid, and mammoplasty and religious rituals such as performing prayers, fasting, and going to pilgrimage. The frequency of performing the religious rituals was identified through a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about the religious rituals such as performing prayers, going to a pilgrimage, and fasting as well as questions about sociodemographic features such as gender, age, and education level of the patients. Preoperative anxiety level was measured using the "Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire." The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for the scale score comparisons of the two independent groups. The scale score comparisons of more than two groups were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The relationships between age and scale scores were analyzed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. The study involved 117 patients who were planned to undergo an aesthetic surgery operation. The scale scores were significantly different according to the pilgrimage groups (p = 0.004). The scale scores were significantly different according to the level of fasting (p = 0.022). No significant differences were found between the scales scores of the groups who reported the frequency of performing prayer as never, sometimes or five times (p = 0.515). In conclusion, the present study found that Muslim people who performed religious rituals more often experienced less preoperative anxiety levels in plastic surgeries, which indicates that the belief level is an effective factor in preoperative anxiety levels. The findings of the present study indicate that patients' beliefs and worship practices should be taken into consideration by doctors, operating room personnel, and even all health workers in order to decrease the anxiety levels of patients who will undergo surgery.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether fasting time and anxiety parameters affect pregnant women's preoperative comfort levels., Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study., Methods: Data were collected from pregnant women using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ), and Numerical Rating Scale., Findings: The mean age of the participants was 29.15 ± 4.54 years, and the spinal anesthesia rate was 65.5%. The mean fasting time was 13.16 ± 2.38 hours for solid food and 10.57 ± 2.91 hours for liquid food. The mean GCQ score was 129.82 ± 12.66, while the mean STAI subscale scores were 46.72 ± 9.37 and 43.65 ± 7.95. Moderately negative correlation was found between the total GCQ and STAI scores, while weak positive correlation was observed between the STAI score and the thirst sensation and mouth dryness., Conclusions: The preoperative process negatively affects comfort levels of pregnant women. Interventions that reduce the fasting time and anxiety level of pregnant women will increase comfort., (Copyright © 2019 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)