INFLUENZA VACCINATION AMONG ALGERIAN HAJJ PILGRIMS: UPTAKE, ATTITUDES, AND BARRIERS

The study aims to evaluate the uptake, attitudes and barriers of influenza vaccine among Algerian Hajj pilgrims. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Algerian Hajj pilgrims who were the residents of Makah city. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Algerian pilgrims who were the residents of Makah city during 23rd August 2016 till 23rd September 2016 at the time of Hajj. The survey was conducted on pilgrims who were residents of Makah city. Following a short briefing regarding study, verbal consent was obtained from each participant who agreed to participate in the survey. Moreover, knowledge about Corona virus was assessed by using (KAP) questionnaire. Data about Pilgrims’ demographics, previous Hajj attendance and history of chronic medical conditions was collected. Pilgrims were to complete the survey through interviews conducted by the data collection teams. Lastly, ethical approval was obtained from Zamzam charity research center. Results reported low level of awareness among Algerian Hajj pilgrims, insignificant relationship between education level and influenza vaccination and availability of low resources for spreading the awareness of influenza vaccine. There is a low level of awareness and knowledge among pilgrims regarding the vaccination of influenza. Moreover, there are very few resources available that gives the knowledge of influenza. Lastly, even those participants who were educated consisted of low level of knowledge regarding influenza vaccination. Thus, insignificant relationship exist between knowledge of influenza vaccination and education level. Thus, Saudi government and other stakeholders need to play their roles to increase awareness among pilgrims regarding influenzas vaccine. Keywords: Influenza, Vaccine, Hajj, Algerian Pilgrims, Saudi Arabia