Abstract
BackgroundArbaeenia mass gathering (MG) in Karbala, Iraq, is becoming one of the largest MGs in the world. The health care infrastructure in Iraq is inadequately prepared to serve the health needs of the millions of pilgrims.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the temporary health care facilities installed and run by the local community to provide health care services to Arbaeenia pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq.MethodsA survey was conducted in all community-based health care facilities located along part of Najaf to Karbala road within Karbala governorate. A structured questionnaire was answered through an interview with the workers and direct observation. Data were collected on staff profile, type of services provided, use of basic infection control measures, medical equipment, drugs and supplies, and the most commonly encountered medical problems.ResultsThe total number of health care facilities was 120, staffed by 659 workers. Only 18 (15.0%, 18/120) facilities were licensed, and 44.1% (53/120) of the workers were health professionals. The health care workers provided different services including dispensing drugs (370/1692, 21.87%), measuring blood pressure and blood sugar (350/1692, 20.69%), and caring for wounds and injuries (319/1692, 18.85%). Around 97% (116/120) health facilities provided services for musculoskeletal disorders and only 16.7% (20/120) provided services for injuries. The drugs available in the clinic were analgesics, drugs for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, and antibiotics, with an availability range of 13.3% to 100.0%. Infection control practices for individual protection, environmental sanitation, and medical waste disposal were available in a range of 18.1% to 100.0%.ConclusionsCommunity-based health care facilities experienced a profound shortage of trained human resources and medical supplies. They can significantly contribute to health services if they are adequately equipped and follow standardized operation procedures.
Highlights
BackgroundMass gathering (MG) is the assembly of a large organized or unorganized population in a limited space for a specified period, which often strains available resources and services [1]
This study aimed to describe the temporary health care facilities installed and run by the local community and provide health care services to the Arbaeenia mass gathering (MG) attendees in Karbala, Iraq, as a first step for mapping available resources
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 5, 2014, to December 14, 2014, to describe the health care services provided by the local community to participants in the Arbaeenia MG in Karbala, Iraq
Summary
BackgroundMass gathering (MG) is the assembly of a large organized or unorganized population in a limited space for a specified period, which often strains available resources and services [1]. The public health systems can be compromised during MGs if not well prepared even in countries with appropriate resources to prevent and control endemic diseases [3]. Regardless of the type of MGs, various health problems were reported among MG participants and local communities who are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases or injuries [4,5,6,7,8]. Objective: This study aimed to describe the temporary health care facilities installed and run by the local community to provide health care services to Arbaeenia pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq. Conclusions: Community-based health care facilities experienced a profound shortage of trained human resources and medical supplies. They can significantly contribute to health services if they are adequately equipped and follow standardized operation procedures
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