The effects of fasting on the level of happiness in the general population of Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Fasting in the month of Ramadan has several positive effects on the emotional and mental state and improves happiness in the community. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fasting on the level of happiness in the general population. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used pretest-posttest analysis to evaluate the hypothesis, and the study population consisted of the people of Kermanshah, Iran. In total, 110 individuals were selected randomly, and the evaluation of happiness was performed using MUNSH happiness survey including four scales of positive appreciation (PA), positive experience (PE), negative appreciation (NA) and negative experience (NE). Data analysis was performed using T-test in SPSS V.18. Results: In this study, a significant difference was observed between the level of happiness before and after the month of Ramadan. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test in terms of NA (P=0.032, T=2.16) and NE (P=0.001, T=3.302). However, no significant difference was observed in PA and PE before and after Ramadan in the study population. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, fasting could positively affect the level of happiness in a community. Therefore, further attention needs to be drawn to the religious beliefs of people and their effects on the mental health of a society.