An observational study in Quality of Life, sponsored by Bastyr University. Status unknown at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2021-04-15.
Sponsored by Bastyr University · Observational
This observational study collects data on blood neurotransmitter and neuromodulator levels of subjects observing Ramadan. Additional information collected are a diet record, mood and perceived stress using validated surveys at three time points: a) before starting Ramadan, b) at the midpoint evaluation, and c) at the end of Ramadan. Three additional dispositional factors collected at the beginning and at the end are: a) sense of belonging, b) purpose in life (sense of coherence), and c) empathy (interpersonal reactivity index). The subjects are also individually interviewed on their experience of Ramadan as narrative data.
This is an observational study seeking research volunteers during Ramadan in the Pacific Northwest. We plan to recruit 10 female and 5 male volunteers. Each subject will donate her/his blood (20 milliliters) at three time points: a) before initiation of Ramadan, b) 14 days later, and c) 30 days later (60 milliliters total over one month). Because the dates of Ramadan in 2021 occur on April 12th through May 11th, the three days of the blood collection will be April 10th, April 27th and May 11th ± 1 day. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, mass gatherings at mosque do not happen. This study deploys a mobile phlebotomist who is a licensed healthcare practitioner who will set up a droplet barrier phlebotomy station. The time of phlebotomy is determined based on the hydration status of each individual. The specimens will be packed in an ice cooler and processed (centrifuged and divided into aliquots) at Bastyr University Tierney laboratory and stored in a -80 degree Celsius freezer until analyzed at the same time for the three time points. Narrative data will also be collected through individual conversations (phone or in-person) at the completion of Ramadan, reflecting on the study and any heightened sense of spirituality.
Bastyr University is the lead sponsor of 22 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Upon obtaining permission from the community leaders (Muslim Association of Puget Sound) and support from IMAN Center of Kirkland, flyers will be disseminated through friends and family members of Muslim members. Anyone who observes Ramadan for religious or health reasons, and who are also committed to following the fasting as prescribed, and who do not have chronic health conditions, will be eligible for participation in this study.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Diurnal fasting and spiritual practices. Operationally assessed by the level of compliance to Sawm, Salat, and Zakat.
Behavioral: Ramadan fasting, praying, and welfare for poor
Abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity duirng daytime; ritualistic praying at specific time of a day for five or more times; volunteering for communities or donation
Also known as: Diurnal fasting or Sawm; five or more prayers or Salat; donation or volunteering or Zakat
Change in dopamine concentration
Plasma dopamine level pg/mL
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Change in serotonin concentration
Plasma serotonin level ng/mL
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Change in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration
Plasma BDNF level pg/mL
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Change in Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) concentration
Plasma NGF level pg/mL
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Change in mood measured by Positive And Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)
PANAS questionnaire in English
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Change in perceived stress level measured by Weekly Stress Inventory (WSI)
Weekly Stress Inventory in English
Time frame: 0 to 30 days
Plan to share: No — Data are collected by subject IDs (SIDs). Only aggregate results will be available
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Started Apr 2021 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for May 2021, 1 month after the start.
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This study is status unknown, as verified in Apr 2021. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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