Respiratory syndromes among pilgrims: assessment of Health status and interventions to alleviate respiratory Symptoms
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Date
2009
Authors
Deris, Zakuan Zainy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Background: Acute respiratory symptoms are the commonest problems faced by
pilgrims in Makkah. They could result from overcrowding, physical exhaustion and
anxiety. The hot-dry atmospheric air exacerbates the problems.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of acute respiratory
symptoms among Malaysian hall pilgrims
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst two thousands
Malaysian pilgrims. Survey forms were distributed at Madinatul-hullaj, Jeddah where
pilgrims stay on transit before returning to Malaysia. Response to the survey was on
voluntary basis. The results were analysed using STAT A version 9.0. The denominator
was the number of completed survey forms.
Results: 394 pilgrims completed and returned the survey forms; 219 males and 173
were females [2 persons did not state their gender]. Only two (0.5%) pilgrims were
younger than 10 years and 51 (13.0%) were above 61 years of age. A large majority
received influenza vaccination 278 (72.4%). The common underlying diseases were
diabetes 48 (12.2%), asthma 35 (8.9%), prolonged cough 34 (8.6%) and rhinitis 28
(7.1 %). In descending order the occurrence of symptoms and their respective 95%
confidence intervals were: cough 91.3% (88.0-93.7), runny nose 79.2% (74.9-82.9), sore
throat 57.1% (52.1 -61.9) and fever 59.1% (54.2-63.9). Only 3.6% (2.2-5.9) of pilgrims
did not suffer from any of these symptoms. Majority had more than two symptoms and
longer than 2 weeks duration. The Malaysian hall pilgrims who had single symptom were
9.3% (6.8-12.6), two symptoms 23.7% (19.7-28.1), three symptoms 25.4% (21.4-30.0),
and four symptoms 36.5% (31.9-41.4). Only 1.5% (0. 7-3.3) had had hospitalization due
to their illness.
Conclusion: Acute respiratory symptoms were remarkably common among Malaysian
hall pilgrims. The interventional measures to reduce the" morbidity of respiratory related
symptoms should be carried out in future Hall seasons.
Description
Keywords
respiratory symphthoms