Pilgrims' Awareness regarding Health Hazards during Hajj

Background: Mass gatherings at religious events can pose major public health challenges,
particularly the transmission of infectious diseases. Every year the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA) hosts the Hajj pilgrimage, the largest gathering held on an annual basis where over 2
million people come to KSA from over 70 countries. Living together in crowded conditions
exposes the pilgrims for different health hazards. Aim of the study: assess the pilgrim's
awareness regarding health hazards during Hajj. A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized
to conduct the study. Setting: The study was conducted at Benha The M.C.H. center at Benha
city during Month of Zou Quada1436 (the 11 th month of Islamic year). Subjects: A
Convenience Sampling of 254 pilgrims included in the study. Tools: first tool: A structured
questionnaire: It was developed by the researchers; it was composed considering Pilgrim's socio
demographic data , knowledge regarding health hazards, second tool: self-care practice
assessment tool Results of the study showed that about two thirds had incorrect knowledge
regarding health hazards, which affecting pilgrims and, about more than half of studied sample
had unsatisfactory practice. Also the study showed that highly significant correlation between
socio-demographic characteristics and both knowledge and practice .Conclusion; the majority of
the studied pilgrims had poor knowledge and unsatisfactory practice. Recommendations:
Educational strategy to improve knowledge regarding health-hazards and to develop health
practices among pilgrims is recommended.