Abstract
The Hajj mass gathering attended by over two million Muslim pilgrims from around the world is a risk for heat-related illnesses (HRIs). We investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pilgrims attending the 2017 Hajj regarding HRIs and their prevention. Adult pilgrims (1801) from six countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Pilgrims had a mean age of 47.2 years (SD = 12.6) and a male:female ratio of 2.2:1. Over 83% declared having at least a secondary education. Pilgrims generally had good knowledge and above average attitude and practice according to our scoring criteria. Most pilgrims were aware of HRIs and preventive measures. However, poor hydration and reluctance to use certain preventive measures or to change Hajj activities’ schedule based on environmental temperature were noted. Age, nationality and level of education were significantly associated with a good knowledge of HRIs. Only nationality was significantly associated with good attitude, and good practice was significantly associated with gender, age and nationality. There were significant positive correlations between the KAP scores. These results can serve as baseline data to design effective general or targeted interventions to improve pilgrims’ knowledge and behavior and to reduce their risk of HRIs during Hajj.
Highlights
Exposure to a hot environment may result in a variety of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) of which heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious and require immediate management [1,2]
Pilgrims generally had good knowledge and above average attitude and practice according to our scoring criteria
We found that pilgrims generally had good knowledge and above average attitude and practice according to our scoring criteria
Summary
Exposure to a hot environment may result in a variety of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) of which heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most serious and require immediate management [1,2]. Temperature-associated health impact is expected to be more pronounced in the future and will likely affect most populations [6]. The Hajj religious mass gathering presents many of the risk factors for HRIs. The event takes places in the hot and arid climate of Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and it attracts over two million Muslim pilgrims with different ethnicities and adaptations to heat, originating from up to 180 countries with varied climates [7]. The Hajj population and pilgrims’ behaviors can predispose them to HRIs. A large proportion of pilgrims are elderly, and many have underlying health conditions, both of which are risk factors for HRIs [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
