Trauma and Injuries Pattern During Hajj, 1443 (2022): A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Care
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hajj, the largest annual mass gathering, presents unique public health challenges due to high pilgrim density.
• Trauma and injuries, ranging from falls to burns and road traffic accidents (RTAs), are prevalent among pilgrims.
• Efficient healthcare access during Hajj is critical for managing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patterns of trauma and injuries sustained by pilgrims during the Hajj.
• To identify common causes and types of injuries specific to different Hajj areas (Mena and Arafat).
• To provide data for improving future preventive measures and the quality of care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in hospitals in Mena and Arafat during Hajj 1443 H (2022).
• Data was collected via interviews with 264 patients diagnosed with trauma or injury.
• Analysis included injury types, causes, demographics, location, and time to hospital admission.

Main Results:

• The most common injuries were cutting wounds (50%) and falls (39%), with significant variations between Mena and Arafat.
• Specific injuries like friction blisters were linked to walking barefoot (p<0.01), while RTAs occurred only in Arafat.
• Most pilgrims reached the hospital within 16-30 minutes, with faster access in Arafat compared to Mena.

Conclusions:

• The 1443 H Hajj season showed a similar trauma pattern to previous years but with improved outcomes.
• Understanding specific injury causes and geographical variations is crucial for targeted prevention.
• Recommendations include refining and establishing new preventive measures to enhance pilgrim safety.