Public Health

Hajj is one of the biggest mass gatherings across the globe drawing pilgrims from different countries. The pilgrims are vulnerable and require focused medical support. The Saudi authorities spare no effort to ensure a safe and healthy environment during the Hajj. The study aimed to determine the pattern of common health complains during each Manasik of El Hajj Season 1439H, to optimize the health education services allocation during future seasons. it is a cross-sectional study conducted on 1782 Pilgrims pilgrims randomly selected from two main airports (Jeddah and Madinah cities) before departure after the ending of Pilgrims. Data were c o l l e c t e d using a well-structured, pretested questionnaire, that consisted of three parts; socio-demographic characteristics, the received health educations (sites, and sources); and the common health complains among pilgrims. The majority of pilgrims were 81.9% aged ≥ 35y, 56.9% were males, and 39.9% had chronic diseases. Out of the 95.7% who had received health education, 93.2% received it inside Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)and 98.4% received it through lectures. 47.3% of Pilgrims developed complains and 6.02% reported multiple complicated disorders. The diseases distributed mainly in Mina 25.2%, Arafat 20.7% and Muzdalifah, 17.2%). The most common health complaints were respiratory tract symptoms 30.0%, 17.7% reported complicated chronic diseases, and 14.4% reported general symptoms. These symptoms significantly occurred among abroad pilgrims (87%), and males. There was a significant difference between sexes at arthritis and complicated chronic disease. Flu is the commonest health problem and Mina is the main site for health complaining. Therefore, it may provide important information for the optimal provision of health education about preventive measurements during the Hajj to ensure that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities and perform various rites at ease.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are extensively used metal in cosmetics, sunscreens, food products, paints and drugs, producing oxidative stress and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. This study aimed to improve the overall (TiO 2 NP) use and decrease its related health hazards through the following objective among albino rates: To assess the TiO 2 NPs oral administration pulmonary induced toxic effect and to study the beneficial role of Idebenone as a novel agent protecting the human body against this toxic effect. An experimental trial conducted on 75 adult albino rats of both sex, rats were classified into; Group I, II: Negative, positive controls. Group III: Rats gavaged orally with 200 mg/kg b.w. Idebenone. Group IV: Rats received 250 mg/kg b.w. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Group V: Rats gavaged orally with Idebenone then Titanium dioxide nanoparticles with previous doses. The blood samples were withdrawn for estimating nitric oxide, reduced glutathione levels. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid was collected for estimating oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Then histological examination and Comet assay from the lung tissues were done. The collected data were coded and analyzed using the suitable tests by the SPSS program. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly decreased and increased in values of blood reduced glutathione and nitric oxide, respectively. In addition, it caused significant increase broncho-alveolar lavage fluid oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines with marked histo-pathological changes in the lung cells were observed with DNA damage. Upon supplementation of Idebenone with titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced normalization of the oxidative stress markers and partial protection of pulmonary histological changes with moderate protective effects against DNA damage. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure causes toxic effects on the lung and administration of Idebenone offers protection against its damaging effects.

Background: Annually, approximately 10 million pilgrims travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah from more than 180 countries. This event presents major challenges for the Kingdom's public health sector, which strives to decrease the burden of infectious diseases and to adequately control their spread both in KSA and pilgrims home nations. The aims of the study were to assess preventative measures practice, including vaccination history and health education, among Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional survey was administered to pilgrims from February to April 2019 at the departure lounge at King Abdul Aziz International airport, Jeddah city. The questionnaire comprised questions on sociodemographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, history of vaccinations and chronic illnesses), whether the pilgrim had received any health education and orientation prior to coming to Saudi Arabia or on their arrival, and their experiences with preventative practices. Results: Pilgrims (n = 1012) of 41 nationalities completed the survey. Chronic diseases were reported among pilgrims (n = 387, 38.2%) with cardiovascular diseases being the most reported morbidity (n = 164, 42.3%). The majority of pilgrims had been immunized prior to travel to Saudi Arabia (n = 770, 76%). The most commonly reported immunizations were influenza (n = 514, 51%), meningitis (n = 418, 41%), and Hepatitis B virus vaccinations (n = 310, 31%). However, 242 (24%) had not received any vaccinations prior to travel, including meningitis vaccine and poliomyelitis vaccine, which are mandatory by Saudi Ara-bian health authorities for pilgrims coming from polio active countries. Nearly a third of pilgrims (n = 305; 30.1%) never wore a face mask in crowded areas during Umrah in 2019. In contrast, similar numbers said they always wore a face mask (n = 351, 34.6%) in crowded areas, while 63.2% reported lack of availability of face masks during Umrah. The majority of participants had received some form of health education on preventative measures, including hygiene aspects (n = 799, 78.9%), mostly in their home countries (n = 450, 44.4%). A positive association was found between receiving health education and practicing of preventative measures, such as wearing face masks in crowded areas (p = 0.04), and other health practice scores (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Although the experiences of the preventative measures among pilgrims in terms of health education, vaccinations, and hygienic practices were at times positive, this study identified several issues. These included the following preventative measures: immunizations, particularly meningitis and poliomyelitis vaccine, and using face masks in crowded areas. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for further Citation: Tobaiqy, M.; Alhasan, A.H.; Shams, M.M.; Amer, S.A.; MacLure, K.; Alcattan, M.F.; Al-mudarra, S.S. Assessment of Preventative Measures Practice among Um