暂无摘要。

Experimental and survey research shows that a common group membership can result in increased levels of social support. Here we complement such research with qualitative data concerning the forms and function of such support. Specifically, we explore the mutual support reported by pilgrims undertaking the Hajj. This requires participants enact a series of identity-related beliefs and values (including specific rituals) in conditions that are practically and psychologically challenging. Using data obtained through semi-structured interviews (N = 33), we investigate how participants\' shared identity facilitated their behavioural enactment of these identity-defining beliefs and values. We focus on how their shared understanding of their beliefs and values as Hajj pilgrims allowed various forms of support (psychological, material, informational, and behavioural) which helped participants translate their identity-related ideals into behaviour. Our analysis implies that a shared identity provides a frame of reference with which group members can recognize each other\'s identity-related concerns and what they need in order to enact their identity. In turn, it implies that in situations where there are practical and psychological constraints on behaviour, action in terms of one\'s social identity can be conceptualized as a joint accomplishment in which the mutual support of group members is key.

暂无摘要。

For Muslims all across the world, the desire to participate in the religious rites of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) which stands as one of the five pillars of Islam is a heartfelt longing. It stands for the pinnacle of devotion and spiritual gratification, luring followers to the most sacred city in Islam for a life-changing journey of faith, comradery, and submission to Allah. Muslims hold Mecca in the highest regard; it is a source of endless inspiration and devotion throughout their lives, as seen by their desire to undertake the Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrimage encompasses a series of synchronized rituals and acts of worship, each holding its unique spiritual meaning, and serve as a powerful testament to the universal nature of Islamic teachings. These rituals have a significant impact on Muslims\' mental and spiritual well-being. Hajj elicits a spectrum of feelings; creates unity, humility, and thankfulness; and encourages self-reflection as well as personal development. It also instills a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Hajj transcends personal boundaries, strengthening a pilgrim\'s sense of connection to the larger Muslim community that rejuvenates their hearts and souls toward the teaching of Islam. Hence, it is imperative to explore in depth this transformative journey, illuminating the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions that bind Muslims across the globe.

BACKGROUND: Syncope and other transient loss of consciousness episodes in crowded and unfamiliar environments may lead to major health hazards. Despite numerous publications, data on syncope among Hajj pilgrims in Makkah is lacking.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the triggers, risk factors, and prevalence of syncope and other transient loss of consciousness episodes among domestic pilgrims.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a convenient sample of domestic pilgrims who performed Hajj in July 2023 using an online Google Forms questionnaire (Alphabet Inc., Mountain View, CA).
RESULTS: Out of 388 participants, 69 (18.1%) reported a history of syncope during the Hajj pilgrimage. Among these, 57 (82.6%) reported complete loss of consciousness, and 56 (81.2%) noted warning symptoms preceding the episode. The syncopal attack occurred once in 49 respondents (71%). Several triggers for syncope were identified, with sudden standing from a sitting position being the most prevalent (100%). Additional co-triggers were crowding (n=43; 62.3%), stressful conditions (n=30; 43.2%), prolonged standing (n=21; 30.4%), and walking (n=11; 15.9%). Traumatic injuries were reported in 33 (47.8%) as a result of syncope. Standing for long periods of time on the day of Arafat (Arafat standing) emerged as the most common triggering situation (n=48; 69.6%). There were multiple medical factors contributing to syncopal episodes; the most common medical explanations were heat exhaustion (n=48; 69.6%), dehydration (n=24; 34.8%), over-exertion (n=48; 69.6%), low blood sugar (n=10; 14.5%), and low blood pressure (n=17; 24.6%). Significant predictors were the presence of cardiac disease (odd ratio (OR) 7.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.71-21.45, p<0.001), anemia (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.01-6.09, p=0.049), previous syncope (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.02-6.27, p=0.049, and family history of syncope (OR 10.1, 95% CI 2.08-49.32, p=0.004).
CONCLUSIONS: Syncope during the domestic Hajj pilgrimage is frequent, especially on the day of Arafat, and carries the risk of traumatic injury. People with previous episodes of syncope and comorbidities, especially cardiac patients and those who have a family history of syncope, are particularly prone to this risk. Healthcare should focus on at-risk patients, particularly on critical pilgrimage days, and increase pilgrims\' awareness about triggers of syncope including sudden and prolonged standing, exertion, and heat exposure.

暂无摘要。

Hajj is an obligatory duty for all healthy adult Muslims once in the lifetime subjected to the ability. Considering the 10.5 % global prevalence of diabetes coupled with the numbers of Muslims performing the Hajj, ∼ 1.8 million in 2023, it is estimated that Muslims with diabetes performing Hajj may exceed 340,000 this year. During Hajj the pattern and amount of their meal, fluid intake and physical activity are markedly altered. Many people with diabetes insist on doing the Hajj duty, thereby creating a medical challenge for themselves and their health care providers. It is therefore important that medical professionals be aware of the potential risks that may be associated with Hajj. People with diabetes may face many health hazards during Hajj including but not limited to the killer triad which might occur during Hajj: Hypoglycemia, Foot injury and Infections. Many precautions should be taken to prevent and treat these potentially serious complications. Risk stratification, medication adjustments, proper clinical assessment, and education before doing Hajj are crucial.

UNASSIGNED: About 2-3 million pilgrims come to Makkah, Saudi Arabia from all countries to perform Hajj. During the Hajj season of 2019 (1440 H), the total number of pilgrims was 2,489,406, of whom 1,855,027 came from foreign countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, pattern, and findings of emergency health problems among pilgrims travelling through King Abdul Aziz International Airport Health Care Center (KAIA-HC) at Hajj Terminal in Jeddah during hajj season of 1440-H.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of pilgrims coming for treatment at KAIA-HC, before and after Hajj between 1 Dhul Qi\'dah to 29 Dhul Hijjah 1440 AH (Corresponding to 4 July to 31 August 2019 AD). The collected data included demographics, medical history, diagnoses of the emergency health problems, infections, and their findings. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS 25.
UNASSIGNED: About 296 (3.87%) of 7,643 pilgrims treated at KAIA-HC were emergency cases. Their average age was 43 years (Standard Deviation (SD) ±7.5); 51.3% were females; the highest (45.3%) was between 30 - 59 years age group, both males and females; the highest two nationalities were Indonesian (14.2%) and Egyptian (12.5%). Diagnoses included hypertension 59(19.9%), bronchial asthma 53 (17.9%), and 23 cases (10.5%) were suffering from hypotension. 16 (5.4%) of patients had a myocardial infarction and 10 (3.4%) had cerebrovascular accidents. In 13 cases (4.4%), a chest infection was reported. Diabetes complications (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis) were reported in 28 (9.4%) of the cases. There were 28 (9.5%) surgical diagnoses, 13 (4.4%) were cut wounds, 11 (3.7%) were bone fracture and dislocation, and 4 (1.4%) were head trauma. With regard to the findings, 82 (27.7%) were referred to hospitals; 10 (3.3%) cases required Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, seven of whom survived. The most common referral causes were myocardial Infarction amounting 12(4.05%), followed by cerebrovascular accident 10(3.3%) and chest infection in 8 (2.7%). 13 (4.4%) of the total cases died. The most common causes of death were myocardial infarction, asthma, hypertension and hyperglycemia.
UNASSIGNED: Our study emphasizes that emergency cases presented at KAIA-HC were few. Cardiovascular diseases represented the main reason for emergency cases, followed by respiratory diseases. 51% of patients were discharged without the need for a higher level of medical care.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has attracted much interest, and its prevalence in both developed and developing countries has increased. During the Hajj season, millions of Muslims from many different countries travel to Makkah for the pilgrimage. In dealing with health issues during the holy season, many pilgrims prefer to self-medicate with traditional remedies instead of visiting medical practitioners, which could affect the efforts of state healthcare organizations to maintain overall public health during this mass gathering. This study aims to gauge the prevalence of CAM use during Hajj, and to assess pilgrims\' beliefs and knowledge of CAM therapies, with particular reference to products available in Makkah. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in several camps and hotels occupied by Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, during Hajj 2023. CAM modalities were used by 68.8 % of the study participants during the Hajj season. There were almost equal numbers of men (53.7 %) and women (46.3 %) participants, with 88 % of the CAM users being non-Saudi and only 12 % Saudi. The majority of the CAM users belonged to two age groups, the 31-40 year group (29.9 %) and the 41-50 year group (34.5 %). The most frequent self-practice therapies were religious prayer/rituals (30.2 %), and the most popular practitioner therapies was herbal treatments (12.3 %). The most common source of CAM-related information was family/friends (29.2 %), for improving well-being reason (25.8 %). More than half of the participants (56.8 %) strongly believed that CAM therapies have the potential to cure disease, although they were unaware of possible interactions between CAM and conventional drugs (76.7 %). More than half of the participants (57.8 %) did not disclose their CAM usage to healthcare practitioners. Half of the sample said they used CAMs during Hajj because of the common belief that therapeutic products from the holy city of Makkah, such as Zamzam water, are more effective. In conclusion, CAM therapies are commonly used by Hajj pilgrims as they are presumed to be natural and therefore safe, raising concerns about the potential risks of relying on CAM without adequate consultation with healthcare providers or awareness of potential interactions between prescription drugs and CAM treatments.

BACKGROUND: The annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world, necessitating the involvement of healthcare professionals, including nurse volunteers, to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. This study aims to explore the experiences, motivations, and skillsets of nurse volunteers during the Hajj pilgrimage, focusing on the personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions of volunteering, and providing insights to enhance volunteer programs.
METHODS: The demographic data shows that the majority of nurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 fell in the 30-39 age group and were predominantly women. The study provides insights into the interest, experience, and motives for volunteering, with spiritual motives cited as a primary driver. An overview of volunteer hours, perceived benefits, and pre-existing skills reveals diverse commitments and skillsets among the volunteers.
RESULTS: Nurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 show diverse age and gender composition, strong commitment, spiritual motives, varied engagement, and professional skills. Team dynamics, skills development, and positive experiences are crucial. A potential gap exists in preparatory education. Significant associations are found between age, volunteer hours, training, skill practice, and gender.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the multifaceted benefits of volunteering during Hajj and underscores the need for decision-makers to devise strategies that cater to diverse needs, foster collaboration, and enhance the preparedness of nurse volunteers. Further research is suggested to examine the long-term impact of volunteering during Hajj on nurses\' professional development and personal well-being and to evaluate the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, training programs, and support initiatives.