A. Anjum1, J. Souchotte1, K. Lubchenko1, M. Desmarais1, M. Richmond2, S. Walker2, K. Hillier3;
1Nutrition Practicum Program, Saskatchewan Health Authority
2Nutrition and Food Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina, SK
3Population Public Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, La Ronge, SK

Registered Dietitians require the knowledge and comfort to provide culturally safe care to Muslims who fast during Ramadan.

The purpose of this study was to determine Saskatchewan Registered Dietitians’ knowledge and comfort in supporting Muslims who fast during Ramadan. Dietitians’ preferred methods of acquiring information to support this population were also determined.

An online survey was distributed to Saskatchewan dietitians to collect qualitative and quantitative data from January 31st to February 22nd, 2022.

A total of 93 dietitians completed the survey. Of the participants, 71% (n=65/92) reported they have never worked with Muslim clients or communities related to Ramadan fasting. Only 5% (n=4/88) of participants agreed to feeling comfortable planning appropriate menus for clients and/or residents within their facility who choose to fast during Ramadan. Majority of participants (85%, n=75) stated that they did not receive adequate training from their education program and 90% (n=79) of participants stated they did not receive adequate training from their employer on how to support Muslim clients and communities who choose to fast during Ramadan. However, 65% (n=57) of Saskatchewan dietitians strongly agree that understanding Ramadan is important to providing culturally appropriate and safe care. Participants suggested that webinars and practice guidelines would be opportunities to increase comfort in this area.

Most participants were not comfortable providing culturally safe care to Muslims who fast during Ramadan. This is the first study in Canada identifying dietitians' knowledge and comfort, thus, further research is needed.

Our results suggest a need for more resources and training to support dietitians in Saskatchewan to feel comfortable providing care to Muslim clients and communities who fast during Ramadan.

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