The Impact of Health Awareness on Self-Efficacy A Case Study of Hajj Pilgrims in Makkah

Abstract

Health risks increase in mass gatherings, including the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. Hence, the Saudi Ministry of Health has made considerable efforts to raise health awareness among its pilgrims. However, no empirical evidence was recorded on its impact on pilgrims’ confidence in their ability to stop or avoid possible risk (i.e., selfefficacy). Therefore, the study aims to fill this gap by measuring the effect of health awareness on self-efficacy. The author approached an analytical descriptive study to test the data (245 pilgrims) that was collected using a systematic random sampling technique during the Hajj of 1438AH in Makkah. According to the results, participants that were aware of health risks showed willingness to protect themselves during emergencies. Therefore, the study recommends giving qualified crowd members an opportunity to help and have an effective rule in the system.