Factors Influencing Pregnant Women’s Decisions to Fast During Ramadan in Türkiye: The Impact of Religiosity and Religious Attitudes

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing pregnant women’s decisions to fast during the month of Ramadan, with particular emphasis on the role of religiosity level and religious attitudes.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between March 6 and March 29, 2025, with 334 pregnant women registered at 9 Family Health Centers selected from 3 central districts of a province in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Individual Religiosity Scale, and Religious Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results: Among the participants, 39.8% (n = 133) reported that they had decided to fast during Ramadan. The mean total score on the Individual Religiosity Scale was 43.4 ± 7.7, and the mean score on the Religious Attitude Scale was 117.2 ± 19.5, indicating relatively high levels of religiosity and religious attitudes. Pregnant women with more advanced gestational age, stronger commitment to their religious beliefs, and the belief that fasting would not negatively affect the baby’s health were significantly more likely to decide to fast (P < .001). In addition, women who decided to fast had significantly higher mean scores on both the Religiosity Scale and the Religious Attitude Scale, including their subdimensions, compared to those who did not fast (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the total Religiosity Scale score (odds ratio [OR = 0.684]), the total Religious Attitude Scale score (OR = 0.787), deciding to fast due to religious beliefs (OR = 9.592), and believing that fasting has no negative impact on the baby’s health (OR = 6.945) were significant predictors of the decision to fast during pregnancy (P < .05).

Conclusions: The findings indicate that religious beliefs and attitudes are key determinants of pregnant women’s decisions to fast. Healthcare professionals should consider these factors when counseling pregnant women about fasting during Ramadan.