IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v8i1e36393 10.2196/36393 Abstract Abstract The Pattern of Referral of Sick Omani Pilgrims From the Omani Medical Mission During Hajj 2019 Khader Yousef Almashaykhi Ahmed Obaid PhD, MD 1
Ministry of Health 128 Culture Street Al Khuwair Muscat, 11 Oman 968 92966264 dr.ahmed929@hotmail.com
M Nooh Randa PhD 2 Almudarra Sami Said 3 ALMutari Abdulaziz Saad 2 ALBudayri Naif Saud 2 AlGhamdi Khalid Masoud 2 Aldarwish Ali 2 Ministry of Health Muscat Oman Field Epidemiology Training Program Ministry of Health Riyad Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Riyad Saudi Arabia Corresponding Author: Ahmed Obaid Almashaykhi dr.ahmed929@hotmail.com Jan-Dec 2022 8 2 2022 8 1 e36393 13 1 2022 17 1 2022 ©Ahmed Obaid Almashaykhi, Randa M Nooh, Sami Said Almudarra, Abdulaziz Saad ALMutari, Naif Saud ALBudayri, Khalid Masoud AlGhamdi, Ali Aldarwish. Originally published in Iproceedings (https://www.iproc.org), 08.02.2022. 2022

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 Background

Annually, in the month of Dhul hijjah, over 2 million Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform hajj. Hajj is the biggest mass gathering globally, which creates a substantial influence on hajjes’ health. The Omani medical mission is the official delegation from the Omani government to Saudi Arabia to serve the Omani hajjees regarding their health issues.

 Objective

This study investigates the referral rate and pattern of diseases among hajjees referred by the Omani medical mission during Hajj 1440 H.

 Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Omani Medical missions in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and Arafat. Data was collected via a predesigned form. All Omani pilgrims presenting to the mission who were referred to local hospitals were included.

 Results

The total number of cases was 5000, of which 106 (2.1%) were referred to local hospitals (21.2 per 1000 hajjees). The most common causes of referral were cardiovascular diseases (23.6%), followed by gastrointestinal disease (17.9%) and trauma (16.9%). Male patients comprised 60.1% of the sample. Their mean age was 47.3 (SD 11.27) years, with the highest referrals in the 51-60 years age group (30%). Over half (55.7%) had comorbidities. Patients’ mean time to reach the clinic was 8.87 (SD 6.41) minutes, with 65% arriving in 5 minutes or less. The mean time needed to reach the hospital by ambulance was 11.39 (SD 6.6) minutes, with 36% arriving within 5 minutes. Of the referrals, 42% were admitted into the hospital. Hospitalization was significantly higher among patients with chest pain (P<.006), diabetics (P<.001), and patients with heart disease (P=.01).

 Conclusions

The most common causes for referral of hajjees from the Omani Medical Mission were cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disease, and trauma. This information should assist the Omani government in planning their medical services in the hajj season in future years.

 hajj referral Omani pilgrims