ABSTRACT
For Muslims, fasting during daylight may modify the way patients take their medicine. The study aimed to assess the perception of eyedrops use and fasting, especially during Ramadan. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted. This study collected 234 completed questionnaires. The number of respondents who believe that eyedrops would not break fasting was 89.3% (209 respondents). The demographic data were: gender, 92 men (39.3%) and 142 women (60.7%); average age 31.9 ± 12.1 years old; healthcare providers were 124, non healthcare providers were 110; ethnicity, Javanese 164, Madurese 42 and Others 28 respondents. There was no significant difference in this belief based on gender and ethnicity. However, there was significant difference belief based on job profession, except in non-emergency situations. It is concluded that Ramadan fasting may not be a non-compliance issue for Muslims using eyedrops in Indonesia. Healthcare providers may have an important role to educate people.
