Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Muslim footballers towards Ramadan fasting during the London 2012 Olympics: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
Muslims observe fasting during the month of Ramadan by abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. Available literature shows that although several studies have been conducted on athletes to determine the effects of Ramadan fasting in terms of physical fitness and performance, little data are available regarding the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of athletes (particularly footballers) towards Ramadan fasting during high-level competitions. This study explored the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards Ramadan fasting among football players participating in the London 2012 Olympics football tournament.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Team training facility.


METHODS
54 Muslim footballers participating in the London Olympics, 2012 OUTCOME MEASURES: Each participant was asked to complete a pre-validated structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding Ramadan fasting and their intention to fast during London 2012.


RESULTS
Of the 54 participating athletes, 21(39%) reported that they intended to fast during Ramadan, but not on a match day. This attitude differed across three teams interviewed -83%, 15% and 0%-showing cross-cultural variation. Overall, there was a lack of knowledge among footballers regarding the effects of Ramadan fasting on sleep and performance; around 30% of athletes gave incorrect responses. This knowledge was independent of their decision to fast on non-competition days (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to describe the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards Ramadan fasting among athletes from Muslim-majority countries participating in a high-level competition. Appropriate knowledge can ensure optimum performance for athletes during Ramadan fasting. Coaches, family members and friends also in possession of this knowledge can provide moral support to the players.
Athlete Health and Performance Research, Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Abdulaziz
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9162-4948
A
Farooq
Department of Health and Human Performance, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas, USA.
Christopher P
CP
Herrera
Département Médecine et Traumatologie du Sport, Clinique Chahrazed, Cheraga, Algeria.
Yacine
Y
Zerguini
Exercise is Medicine Department, Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Fuad
F
Almudahka
Athlete Health and Performance Research, Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Karim
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9178-7678
K
Chamari
Attitude; Football; Knowledge; London 2012; Ramadan fasting
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