Abstract
SETTING: Millions of pilgrims visit Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, from regions of endemic tuberculosis. Little consideration has been given to the potential impact of this disease on the local population. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge about TB among residents of Makkah and Jeddah (Makkah’s principal travel gateway). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 1004 residents. Data were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Spread of TB by coughing was a transmission route known by 44.2% of males and 59.6% of females (P < 0.001); 20.0% of participants knew that TB is caused by bacteria; 71.6% of females and 52.3% of males knew TB is infectious (P < 0.001). Regarding approaches to TB prevention, 48.0% of respondents answered patient isolation and 15.2% vaccination. Overall, 50.6% of males and 38.3% of females (P < 0.001) would seek modern medical treatment if hemoptysis occurred. With a persistent cough, 65.4% of respondents would do nothing or wait before consulting a healthcare provider. High numbers of “don’t know” responses were recorded throughout the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Within the population across pilgrimage areas in Saudi Arabia, knowledge is lacking concerning TB transmission, the cause of the disease, means of prevention and the success of treatment, highlighting an urge need for better public education.
Highlights
Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), the holiest city of Islam
We surveyed 1004 residents of the cities of Makkah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a region where the population are at relatively high risk of exposure to TB because it is a center of large-scale, global pilgrimage
This study provides a basis for discussions of public policy towards TB awareness and education in Saudi Arabia, especially in the west of the country which has a higher incidence of the disease and is a site of major pilgrimage for millions of visitors each year from countries where TB is endemic
Summary
Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), the holiest city of Islam. Several million more pilgrims participate in Umrah, another pilgrimage to Makkah that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Millions of pilgrims each year come from outside KSA [1], and over 50% from regions where tuberculosis is endemic, such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, southeast Asia and Africa. Studies have reported that >50% of Hajj participants suffer from coughs [4], and upper respiratory tract infections are the most common disease during the Hajj [5]. These factors are highly conducive to the spread of TB. Far less consideration has been given to the potential disease impact on the local resident population
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