NCDs are among the most increasing prevalent health problems globally and contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality during Hajj. This study was conducted among domestic hajjis from Qatif to assess the pattern of NCDs and investigate the effect of Hajj situation on their NCDs status. The study also aimed to find out the frequency of injuries during hajj.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among domestic hajjis from Qatif registered in the seven selected Hamlas. A two parts questionnaire was used to collect the information. The first part was self administered questionnaire and was collected during the pre-Hajj orientation meetings that held by hamlas. The second part was a telephonic-based interview and was collected after Hajj by adequately trained interviewers during three weeks period.
Results
In the first part of the study, a total of 770 hajjis were recruited where 194 (25.2%) had NCDs. In the second part of the study 602 hajjis were traceable after hajjthrough telephone interview where136 (22.6%) hajjis suffered from NCDs in which 38 (27.9%) had co-morbid conditions. The most common encountered NCDs were the same in part one and two with minor difference in their order; the NCDs order in part two was: hypertension (33.8%), diabetes mellitus (18.4%), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (14.7%), bronchial asthma (14.0%) and sickle cell disease (10.3%). Only 56 (41.2%) of NCDs hajjis had performed medical examination before hajj and only 41 (30.2%) had worn a bracelet showing their name and diseases all the time during Hajj.Most of them had been able to follow their dietary and medication management. A large proportion of NCDs hajjis had a positive perception of controlled disease before and during Hajj (73.5% and 81.6% respectively), which was higher among males. The most common perceived reasons behind uncontrolled disease during Hajj were excessive physical activity (28.0%) and presence of fumes in the surrounding environment (24.0%). The most common reported symptoms were shortness of breath (36.0%), limb pain (24.0%) and drowsiness (24.0%). All hajjis who sought health facility had sought hamla's doctor (76.0%), of whom (12.0%) had also needed hospital care. Only 6.5% of participant hajjis reported injuries, most were cut wounds (56.4%) which were higher among males, followed by contusions (43.6%), which were higher among females. Most of these injuries occurred by getting crushed and trampled by the crowds (35.8%), or by stone throw (28.2%).
Conclusion
NCDs affected 25.2% and 22.6% of the hajjis from Qatif in part one and two respectively. Out of them, 27.9% had co-morbid conditions. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma were the main encountered NCDs, along with sickle cell disease and G6PDD. Most of these NCDs were the most frequent diseases perceived to be uncontrolled during Hajj. Injuries were reported by 6.5% with two types: cut wounds and contusions. So, MOH need to spend more effort in both preventive and curative field to keep up NCDs control and equipped with appropriate health care needs during hajj.