Abstract
Background: Annually over 2 million Muslims travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. This large mass gathering is expected to create a significant influence on Hajjees health, particularly as a result of overcrowding and exhaustion. The Omani medical mission is responsible for assisting Omani hajjees with regard to health problems they may encounter during Hajj. This study investigates the referral pattern and frequencies of the types of diseases among Omanis referred by the Omani medical mission during the Hajj of the year 1440 H. Methods & Materials: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Data was collected via a predesigned data collection form. The study was conducted in Mecca, Madinah, Mina and Arafat Omani medical clinics. All Omani pilgrims presenting to the Omani medical mission that were referred to local hospitals were included in the study. Results: The total number of cases presenting to the Omani medical mission was 5000 cases, of whom 106 (2.1%) were referred. The most common causes for referral were Cardiovascular diseases 23.6%, followed by gastrointestinal diseases 17.9%, then trauma 16.9%. Most referrals were from Makkah clinic (51%), followed by Mina (34%), Arafat (10%), and the lowest was from AlMadinah (5%). Males comprised 60.1%. The mean age was 47.3 years (SD ± 11.27), with the highest among the 51–60 years age group (30%). 42% of referred cases were admitted into the hospital. 55.7% had a chronic medical condition. The mean time required to reach the clinic was 8.87 min (SD ± 6.41), with 65% arriving in under 5 min. The mean time required to reach the hospital by ambulance was 11.39 min (SD ± 6.6). Conclusion: Our results provide new information that will help understand the health problems of Omani hajjees. This information should assist the Omani government regarding planning and organization of their Hajj medical mission.
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