Promoting Community Engagement through Virtual Cooking Sessions during Ramadan in the Setting of COVID-19

Elizabeth Stewart (MS2), Sireesha Teegala (MD), Robert Wood (Dr.PH), Sabeen Abdullah, Sanna Bhajjan (DO), Fozia Ali (MD), Meredith Hosek (MS2), Dylan De Muth (MS3), Brandee Pemberton (MD),

Jasmine Rodriguez (MPH), Paula Winkler, Uzair Iqbal, Omar MalikThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset and share meals together. In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, community engagement can be challenging while practicing physical distancing.

In April of 2018 and 2019, the first needs assessments were conducted at the annual El Bari Community Health Fairs. Nutrition was consistently identified as a top health priority among both men and women. In order to prioritize community choices, virtual cooking sessions were held during Ramadan of 2020. The recipes shared used primarily non-perishable food items and spices that most community members already have in their homes.

Introduction

To promote community engagement through virtual cooking session; to assess community feedback regarding healthy choices and mindfulness during Ramadan and COVID-19.

Objective

Design and Methods• Mixed-method study design

• 3 virtual healthy cooking sessions were conducted during Ramadan focused towards culturally-relevant healthy meal recipes

• Sessions were co-led by project leaders and community volunteers

Results

ParticipantsPredominantly Muslim community members (age 18 & above) residing in San Antonio.

The goals of this intervention are twofold: (1) to share and encourage culturally-relevant healthy meal choices and (2) to promote wellness and community engagement during physical distancing.

1. Community engagement is possible and sustainable during COVID-19 with a community-based model

2. The COVID-19 pandemic and Ramadan present unique challenges to healthy living

3. Further engagement is needed with a focus on increasing fruit, vegetable, and lean protein consumption, exercise, and mindful portions.

Future Directions

• The response to our sessions was positive. 5 out of 13 respondents simply gave positive feedback, stating that no changes were needed.

• In response to community suggestions, a blog has been created with healthy recipes and resources for and by community members: https://healthychoicesteam.wordpress.com/

• 8 small group didactic sessions will be conducted via Zoom between November 2020 and March 2021. Sessions will be co-led by a physician or health professions student and a community volunteer and will cover topics like portion sizes, nutrition labels, macronutrients, cardio and resistance training, dental health, modifications to traditional recipes, and healthy baking.

• Study data collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at [UT Health].1

• Survey included basic demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, household size, primary language, level of education) and a brief questionnaire regarding healthy choices and mindfulness during Ramadan and COVID-19. The survey also included qualitative questions with descriptive feedback about sessions.

Figure 6: 16% of survey respondents reported exercising 0times per week, and 31% of survey respondents reportedexercising once or twice per week.

Figure 1: Community flyerfor first session, designedby Uzair Iqbal

Greatest ChallengeUnealthy foods

Exercise Snacking

SleepingSocial distancing

ShoppingTime

HydrationBoundaries

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Q: What is the greatest challenge you face in making healthy choices during Ramadan and the current COVID-19

pandemic?

Figure 5: Unhealthy foods, lack of exercise, and tendencyto snack were listed as the top 3 challenges to healthychoices during Ramadan and COVID-19.

Conclusions

Main and Secondary Outcome

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# of times of physical activity per week

Q: During Ramadan and the current COVID-19 pandemic, how many times a week do you do

physical activity/exercise?

1 RedCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure, web-based software platform designed to support data capture for research studies, providing 1) an intuitive interface for validated data capture; 2) audit trails for tracking data manipulation and export procedures; 3) automated export procedures for seamless data downloads to common statistical packages; and 4) procedures for data integration and interoperability with external sources.

• Among 93 survey participants (71% female, 29% male), the majority (61%) were South Asian with Urdu as their primary language (60%). 72% were married. 87% reported household size of 4 or more.

• 16% of respondents reported exercising 0 times per week.

• 31% reported exercising 1-2 times per week.

• 17% of respondents reported eating 3 or more servings of lean protein per day.

• 7.5% of respondents reported eating the recommended daily servings (5) of fruits and vegetables per day.

• Eating unhealthy foods was identified as the top challenge to healthy choices.

Figure 2: Examples of healthy recipes shared by community members, from left to right: breakfastbar with dates, chia seeds, and nuts; spiced fruit salad; split lentil soup with spinach salad

Figure 3: Basic demographics (age and gender) ofsurvey participants

Figure 4: 88% of survey participants reportedagree/strongly agree with faith/spirituality.

Acknowledgements• Dr. Suhaib Haq, Director of El Bari CHC• Sumeyra Tek, Event Coordinator at Raindrop Foundation SA• CSL Midi-Grant Program• Aafreen Akhtar, Community volunteer• Mariam Khan-Jazbi, Community volunteer

Q: “During Ramadan and the current COVID pandemic, I am looking to faith and spirituality.”Age