Social themes.

Ramadan is a month-long religious festival observed by Muslim worldwide, characterised by intermittent fasting. This qualitative study addressed the need to understand how fasting is experienced by Muslims residing in Western cultures, aiming to inform policies that create a more supportive environment. Practicing Muslims, both men and women, were recruited in the North of England in the United Kingdom (UK). Data were collected by individual interviews (N = 7) and focus group discussion (N = 4) and then analysed using Social Ecological Theory as a framework. Fasting was managed at the individual level through instrumental food choice and eating practices, and by adapting sleep routines. Disrupted sleep routines posed a challenge for those who had to adhere to Western working schedules, leading to perceived detriments to cognitive function and mood. The sense of belonging associated with Ramadan was seen as a motivating factor for fasting. Breaking the fast (Iftar) was marked by social activity and the availability of traditional fried foods. Participants identified the wider Western culture and environment as challenging for those who are fasting. These findings imply a need for policies that enable flexible working practices for Muslims during Ramadan.斋月（Ramadan）是一项为期一月的宗教节庆，为全球穆斯林所奉行，其核心特征为间歇性斋戒。本质性研究（qualitative study）旨在回应了解居住于西方文化语境中的穆斯林的斋戒体验之研究需求，以期为打造更具包容性的支持环境提供政策参考。研究于英国英格兰北部招募了虔诚穆斯林群体，涵盖男女参与者。数据通过个人访谈（样本量N=7）与焦点小组讨论（样本量N=4）采集，并以社会生态理论（Social Ecological Theory）作为分析框架开展数据分析。个体层面上，参与者可通过合理的食物选择、进食行为调整以及睡眠节律重塑来规划斋戒活动。对于必须遵守西方职场作息的群体而言，睡眠节律紊乱成为一大挑战，进而被感知为对认知功能与情绪造成损害。与斋月相关联的群体归属感，被视为推动参与者践行斋戒的重要动因。开斋（Iftar）仪式以社交聚会与传统油炸食品的供应为典型特征。参与者指出，更广泛的西方社会文化与整体环境，对正在进行斋戒的穆斯林而言颇具挑战。本研究结果显示，亟需出台相关政策，为穆斯林在斋月期间提供弹性工作制的支持。