DISEASE PATTERNS AMONG HAJJ PILGRIMS ATTENDING MEDICAL FACILITIES OF PAKISTAN HAJJ MEDICAL MISSION 2016 (1437 HIJRI)

Disease Patterns Among Hajj Pilgrims

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different diseases among Pakistani Hajj  pilgrims attending the medical facilities of Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission during Hajj 2016 (1437 hijri).
Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission hospitals and dispensaries at Makkah Mukkarrmah,Medina Munawwarah and Jeddah, from 10th Aug 2016 to 5th Oct 2016.
Material and Methods: All Pakistani Hajj pilgrims reporting to various Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission Hospitals and dispensaries at Makkah, Medina and Jeddah were included in the study. A universal sample of all patients reporting to the Hajj medical mission (A total of 184,496 OPD visits) was used. The patient were initially assessed in Emergency Reception(ER) by medical officers and then referred to respective specialists if required. A specially designed proforma having information regarding name, age, disease and its duration was prepared and filled for each patient separately. A second hospital/dispensary visit of the Hajj pilgrim was considered separately on a new proforma. SPSS version 17 was used to analyze the data.
Results: There were a total of 184,496 OPD (Out Patient Department) visits by Pakistani Hajj pilgrims during the study period. Age of the patients ranged from 20-96 years, 74.5% (n=137, 449) were male and 25.5% (n=47047) were female. Number of patients suffering from various diseases and their percentage in order of frequency was; respiratory diseases 29% (n=53187), musculoskeletal disorders 18% (n=33838), gastrointestinal diseases 15% (n=26696), Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) diseases 8% (n=14448), skin  disorders 6% (n=10937), eye disease 3% (n=4530), mouth and dental diseases 3% (n=6101), wounds, fractures and burns 3% (n=6186), cardiovascular diseases 2% (n=4433), gynecological disorders 2% (n=4357), infectious disease 1% (n=1055), minor surgeries <1% (n=620), psychiatric disorders <1% (n=40) and other miscellaneous complaints 5% (n=9889).
Conclusion: Respiratory illness was the commonest disease among Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims while musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal complaints were also high. This study helps to identify the common diseases encountered during Hajj Medical Mission and may aid in the better preparedness of such missions in future.