Assesement of the Effects of Ethiopian orthodox Christians Fasting on Biochemical Risk Factors and Anthropometric Measurements
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Date
2016-04
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: As in many developing countries, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases
(CVDs) in Ethiopia has been increasing dramatically. Unhealthy changes in the dietary patter are
among the responsible factors for the rise. Religious beliefs play a significant part in shaping
those behaviors; however, there is no study conducted on the role Ethiopian Orthodox
Christians’ fasting practice in relation to biochemical indicators for CVD risk factors and
anthropometric indices.
Objective: To assess the effects of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians’ Easter fasting on the
anthropometric indices and biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Methodology: Before and after study design having controls was used among 88 voluntarily
selected participants from eligible population and followed over Easter fasting period in two
groups; those who fast (fasting group) and do not fast (control group). Participants were
measured for serum lipid profiles and anthropometric indices before the beginning and at the end
of Easter fasting. Paired t-test was used for comparison of baseline and endline measurements in
each group. Besides, independent sample t-test was used for comparison of differences between
groups.
Results: In comparison to controls, fasters showed significant mean reduction at the end of
fasting; 11% in total cholesterol, 20% in LDL-C, 11% in TG, 21% in LDL/HDL ratio, 12% in
TC/HDL ratio, and 7% in blood glucose concentrations. Similarly, significant reductions in the
anthropometric measurements were observed (p < 0.001); 2% in body weight, BMI and waist to
hip ratio whereas, waist circumference was reduced by 3%. However, there was no statistically
significant change observed in lipid profiles among control group.
Conclusion: Periodic abstinence from animal source foods during the Ethiopian Orthodox
Christians’ Easter fasting period and shifts to calorie restricted vegetarians’ diet style by fasters
in this study attributed to the observed biochemical and body measurement changes highlighting
that religious fasting has a substantial impact on health-related dietary behaviors.
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Assesement of the Effects of Ethiopian orthodox Christians