Prevalence of cough and associated symptoms among pilgrims in large mass gathering event 2024: a cross-sectional study

Objectives

Large mass gathering events significantly increase the risk of infectious disease transmission, particularly respiratory infections, due to unavoidable overcrowding and exposure to airborne pathogens. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of cough, its duration, and associated symptoms during the religious mass gathering event among pilgrims in the 2024 Hajj season.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2024. A face-to-face random interview utilizing a structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from 2,913 pilgrims, who were randomly selected as participants and were at least 18 years old. Baseline demographic data and clinical characteristics were compiled using descriptive statistics. Continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviations, while categorical data were illustrated as counts and percentages.

Results

Among 2913 Hajj pilgrims, the average age was 53.9 ± 11.8 years, and 1,173 (40.4%) reported cough symptoms. The highest prevalence was in the 50–64 age group (60.7%). Chronic diseases were significantly more common in patients with cough (53.3%). Diabetes (357 cases) and hypertension (330 cases) were the most common conditions. Of the 1,173 participants with cough, 10.3% reported no associated symptoms, while sore throat (30.8%) was the most common. Logistic regression confirmed chronic disease, nationality, and age as significant predictors of cough.

Conclusions

A significant number of cough symptoms were reported, with the highest incidence in older adults. Additionally, notable associations were identified between cough and pre-existing health conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic heart disease, and asthma.. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of cough and its related symptoms or use of medications in mass gatherings.