Common Health Complains Among Pilgrims during Manasik El Hajj; Season 1439H (2018)

Hajj pilgrimage is one of the biggest mass gatherings across the globe drawing pilgrims from different countries.  The pilgrims are vulnerable and require focused medical support. The Saudi authorities spare no effort to ensure a safe and healthy environment during the Hajj. The study aimed to determine the pattern of common health complains during each Manasik of El Hajj Season 1439H, to optimize the health resources and services allocation during future seasons. it is a cross-sectional study conducted on 1782 Pilgrims pilgrims randomly selected from two main airports (Jeddah and Madinah cities) before departure after the ending of Pilgrims. Data were collected using a well-structured, pretested questionnaire, that consisted of three parts; socio-demographic characteristics, the received health educations (sites, and sources); and the common health complains among pilgrims. The majority of pilgrims were 81.9%  aged  ≥ 35y, 56.9% were males, and 39.9%  had chronic diseases. Out of the 95.7% who had received health education, 49% received it inside the KSA, and 98.4% received it through lectures. 47.3% of Pilgrims developed complains and 6.02% reported multiple complicated disorders. The diseases distributed mainly in Mina 25.2%, Arafat 20.7% and Muzdalifah, 17.2%). The most common health complaints were respiratory tract symptoms 30.0%, 17.7% reported complicated chronic diseases, and 14.4% reported general symptoms. These symptoms significantly occurred among abroad pilgrims (87%), and males. There was a significant difference between sexes at arthritis and complicated chronic disease. Flu is the commonest health problem and Mina is the main site for health complaining. Therefore, it may provide health policy makers with important information for the optimal provision of health services and preventive measurements during the Hajj to ensure that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities and perform various rites at ease.