The Effect of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians ‘Abiy Tsom’ (Lent fasting) on Metabolic Syndrome Indices and Serum Electrolytes
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Date
2017-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: -Fasting, the voluntary abstention from all restricted foods, is a feature
of many religions, and the putative health benefits have attracted both scientific and
popular interest. There is clear understanding that religious fasting has great effects on
metabolic syndrome. There are no available literatures that give information concerning
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fasting influence on metabolic syndrome indices and
serum electrolytes to date.
Objective: -To determine effect of ‘Abiy tsom’ (lent fasting) of Ethiopian Orthodox
Christians on metabolic syndrome indices and serum electrolytes in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
Methodology: - 88 Study subjects were included conveniently who were followers of
Ethiopian orthodox Christianity faith and fasting “lent” from April 15 to June 15 and
longitudinal cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected twice, the
first during last week of the fasting months and the second during the last week of two
months’ time after returning to usual diet. The data and sample was collected, analyzed,
interpreted and was displayed by using descriptive and analytical statistical methods.
Results: The study found that, Ethiopian Orthodox lent fasting had significant effects
on Anthropometric measurements, systolic blood pressure, lipid profiles and Urea. It
was also found that this fasting had significant effect on the levels of Calcium and
Chloride ions while Serum sodium and potassium were influenced insignificantly.
Conclusion: Ethiopian Orthodox Christians lent fasting is beneficial for weight loss
and fighting metabolic syndrome.
Recommendation: stakeholders are recommended to consider fasting as one strategy
for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome
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Ethiopian Orthodox Christians