Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Hajj 2024

Background/Objectives: Musculoskeletal injuries represent a major societal burden, leading to higher healthcare costs, disability, reduced work productivity, and a reduced quality of life. During Hajj, pilgrims are particularly vulnerable to injuries and health issues due to overcrowding, physical strain, and extreme heat. This study aims to investigate the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries experienced during the Hajj season 2024 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The present study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The data were collected during the 2024 Hajj season using an online questionnaire directed to all pilgrims with musculoskeletal injuries attending the emergency departments of Makkah hospitals, including Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital, and King Faisal Hospital. Our target population was pilgrims of any age with musculoskeletal injuries. The interview questionnaires were translated into both Arabic and English and designed using Google Forms. Results: This study evaluated the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries during the Hajj season using a total of 130 participants (41.5% male, 58.5% female), with the largest age group being 30-50 years (55.4%). The largest nationality groups in the sample included Egyptians and Indians (11.5% each) followed by Pakistanis (7.7%). Injuries were most frequently reported in the Haram area (36.2%), with distal radius fractures being the most common type of injury observed (16.9%). Falls were the primary cause of injuries (83.8%), and pain was the predominant symptom (93.8%). Finally, most injuries occurred while walking (76.9%). Conclusions: Overall, this study found that the most common location for acquiring such injuries was the holy mosque (Haram). Additionally, for most patients, falling was the primary cause of injury, often resulting in fractures of the distal radius. Finally, the study found that the use of wheelchairs in Haram and Al-Jamarat, as well as crowding-related injuries in Arafat, were the main contributors to the overall injury burden.