Impact Of Knowledge Towards Vaccine Preventable Diseases And Vaccination Among Prospective Hajj Pilgrims In The Pilgrimage Season In Saudi Arabia 2022

Abstract

Background  

Hajj is a unique religious mass gathering among Muslims hosted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) annually. It is a fifth pillar that is compulsory to be carried among Muslim. Infections due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus Pneumonia and Influenza virus are very high among Hajj pilgrims in KSA. Study shows knowledge towards vaccine preventable disease and vaccination which is very important for the prevention of these infectious diseases. The transmission of infectious diseases is high at mass gatherings such as the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is the largest annual mass gathering on the planet, with around two to three million people attending from over 180 countries. Intense congestion, shared accommodation, air pollution, and compromised hygiene all contribute to the transmission of infections at Hajj, most notably acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Hajj presents a public health challenge for Saudi Arabia, as the authorities need to cater for an increasing number of pilgrims and respond to emerging infections such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).3,4 It is also challenging for the countries sending pilgrims, since t[1]hese pilgrims can import epidemic diseases to their home countries upon return. Aim of the study: To determine knowledge among the prospective in Saudi Arabia hajj pilgrims on vaccine preventable disease and vaccination in Makah during the Pilgrimage Seasons 2022. Methods:  Across sectional descriptive study conducted among pilgrims who resident in Makah city during August, 2022 to October 2022 Hajj 2022, Our total Sample size of pilgrims participants were (700) Results: shows that the majority of participants were (48.14%) have average knowledge followed by weak were(30.43%) but high were (21.43%) while Range (3-15) Mean± SD (9.01±2.91) while shows a significant correlation between level of knowledge correlation and vaccinations while  X² 77.591 Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge among the Saudi Arabia  hajj pilgrims about these vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination, especially those who have lower education level and also unemployed.  are highly advised to focus on these group and prepare a special course that focused on these vaccine preventable diseases so that Saudi Arabia  Hajj pilgrims will be protected .