Table 2 Themes, subthemes and supporting quotes

Fasting experiences

• Significance of Ramadan fasting

• Factors that affect ability to fast

• Support from family members

“Fasting is an obligation and a norm” [54 years old, female]

“I’m able to fast but I would skip fasting on dialysis days” [51 years old, male]

“I usually practice fasting on Monday and Thursday, I’m getting used to it” [33 years old, female]

“My family members allow me fast, but they did say I can break my fast anytime if I cannot proceed with fasting” [55 years old, male]

Self-perceived effects of fasting on general well-being

• Positive side effects of fasting

• Negative side effects of fasting

“I feel different. Mainly because I think my weight is reducing if I fast” [66 years old, male]

“When we fast, we tend to eat little due to early satiety, so I can control my food intake and reduce my body weight” [38 years old, female]

“The negative part is when you don’t eat, you will feel hungry, uneasiness to the stomach and body becomes weak” [60 years old, male]

“It’s been a while since I joined congregation Tarawih prayer because I don’t have the energy to do it” [61 years old, male]

Health-seeking behaviours

• Never sought for health-related advice prior to fasting

• Follow previous health advice

• Uses internet

“I feel everything is okay when I fast, so there is no need to ask the staff here” [54 years old, female]

“In terms of diabetic medication, the doctor did ask me to lower the dosage”[60 years old, male]

“I had met dietitian when I first started dialysis, I was given a brochure regarding what I can eat so I just followed the advice given until now. It has been a while ago, I cannot remember when” [66 years old, male]

Education and awareness needs

• Dietary management

“I wanted to know how much should I eat during suhoor to give enough energy to fast for the whole day”[60 years old, male]

“What type of food should we take, how much protein, which type food has high phosphate…”[33 years old, female]