METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and grey literature. Descriptive statistics will be used to report the characteristics of included studies. The facilitators and barriers to DHTs implementation, gathered from both quantitative and qualitative data, will be synthesised using a parallel-results convergent synthesis design. A thematic analysis, employing an inductive approach, will be conducted to categorise these facilitators and barriers into coherent themes. Additionally, we will identify and categorise all available DHTs based on their equipment types and methods of operation to develop an innovative classification framework.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data collection is not involved in this study. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and meetings with key stakeholders and partners in the field of digital health.
METHOD: An exploratory phenomenology qualitative study was conducted whereby subjects were purposively selected based on previous experience in observing Ramadan fasting. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted, and study data were analyzed thematically and iteratively coded using a constant comparison method.
RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the data, namely: (i) "fasting experiences", (ii) "perceived side effects of fasting", (iii) "health-seeking behavior" and, (iv) "education and awareness needs". Patients expressed the significance of Ramadan fasting as well as the perceived impact of fasting on their health. Additionally, there is lack of health-seeking behaviour observed among patients thus, raising needs for awareness and education related to Ramadan fasting.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study shed light on patients' experiences and perceptions regarding Ramadan fasting which warrants the needs for an effective communication between patients and health care practitioners through a structured-Ramadan specific education program.
DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a 12-week, multicenter, prospective observational study. The study setting included three HD centers. Adult Muslim patients, who were undergoing HD session thrice weekly and planned to fast during Ramadan, were screened for eligibility and recruited. Nutritional and functional status assessments were carried out 2 weeks before (V0), at the fourth week of Ramadan (V1), and 4 weeks after Ramadan (V2). Nutritional status parameters included anthropometry (body mass index, interdialytic weight gain, waist circumference), body composition (mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, body fat percentage), blood biochemistry (albumin, renal profile, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers), blood pressure, dietary intake, and handgrip strength. Changes in nutritional and functional status parameters across study timepoints were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.
RESULTS: A total of 87 patients completed the study, with 68 patients (78.2%) reporting fasting ≥20 days. Ramadan fasting led to significant reductions (all P .05). Significant improvement was observed in serum phosphate levels, but serum albumin, urea, and creatinine were also reduced significantly during Ramadan (P