Acute Mountain Sickness Symptoms Among International Students at King Khalid University: a Cross-Sectional Study

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can significantly affect new visitors to high altitudes, especially those who ascend rapidly via air travel. This study aimed to investigate Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms among international students at King Khalid University (KKU) in Abha, Saudi Arabia, situated at 2,250 meters above sea level.

A questionnaire based on the Lake Louise Scoring System for AMS was distributed to international students at KKU's housing campus. The survey explored the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (headache, diz-ziness/lightheadedness, fatigue and or weakness, and poor appetite and nausea), severity, duration, and management provided. Demographics and body mass index were also collected. A total of 203 respondents participated in the survey, with 99.4% being male and 72% aged 20 - 29 years.

In total, 173 (62.6%) participants reported at least one AMS symptom within the first 24 hours of arrival. Fatigue/weakness 55 (27.1%), headache 39 (19.2%), loss of appetite 22 (10.8%), and dizziness 16 (7.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Regarding symptom severity, 23 (17.8%) reported severe symptoms while 57 (44.2%) reported moderate symptoms. Adaptation to the high-altitude environment varied among participants, with 58 (42.3%) adapting within days and 46 (33.6%) taking weeks. Notably, 26 (19.40%) respondents were still experiencing symptoms at the time of the survey. The most common actions taken to alleviate symptoms were over-the-counter medicine in 49 (24.1.1%), followed by rest in 34 (16.7.2%) and 28 (13.8%) sought medical help. Age, nationality, or prior awareness about AMS did not correlate with AMS symptoms. Those who visited the region for the first time, had chronic symptoms or diseases or had a lower body mass index were more likely to experience AMS symptoms.

These findings showed a high prevalence of AMS symptoms among international students in Abha, Saudi Arabia, possibly because they arrived by flight. Being both a tourism destination and an academic center, a high-altitude specialized clinic and service is recommended. Further research is warranted to explore the longterm effects of high altitude on international student health and academic performance. In addition, effective strategies for mitigating altitude-related symptoms in this population should be developed.