HEALTH CAMPAIGNS INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE HEAT STROKE RISK BEHAVIORS DURING HAJJ PILGRIMAGE: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

The study aims to evaluate the interventions related to health campaigns to address the risks associated with heat stroke during Hajj. A prospective-cohort research design was followed and 1,028 participants were included in the study. Two groups were formulated, namely, cohort and control group. The demographic details, along with their knowledge regarding heat stroke, the symptoms of heat stroke and other factors were also evaluated. The results suggested a positive level of awareness and knowledge regarding heat stroke and heat exhaustion among pilgrims divided in both groups. The control group was found to be inflicted more with heat stroke and exhaustion. Thus, health campaigns can serve as an important approach to disseminate information among pilgrims to control the incidence of such diseases. Keywords: Health Campaigns, Hajj Pilgrims, Pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia, Heat Strok