Egyptian Muslims’ Information-Seeking Behaviour during Ramadan Fasting: A Survey

Abstract

This study examines the information needs and fasting habits of Egyptian Muslims during Ramadan. This study, conducted April 13 to May 12, 2021, used a self-administered questionnaire which served as the survey instrument. Almost all respondents ranked topics related to health, fasting (such as Da’wah, E’tikaaf, and Taraweeh Prayer), as well as religious lectures and Islamic sermons, as the most important information. During Ramadan, respondents relied on a variety of fasting-related information sources, including print and non-print, as well as face to face and virtual conversations, and social media.. The most significant barriers affecting respondents’ search for information during Ramadan were fatigue and physical exhaustion, invasion of privacy, time constraints, and lack of trust in some sources. Despite its significance, respondents’ information-seeking behavior has received insufficient serious research on a local, regional, and even international scale. Gaps in the knowledge of the study of fasting and its effects can greatly assist healthcare professionals in developing a good understanding of religious fasting and its practitioners.