IRCMJ – Original Article
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Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2024; 98: 1–8
https://doi.org/10.22034/ircmj.2025.461842.1226

The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Iranian Pilgrims Regarding Heat-Related Illness during Arbaeen Hosseini Ceremony, as Religious Mass Gathering in the Karbala, Iraq

Zakieh Ostad-Ahmadi¹², Pirohsein Kolivand³, Peyman Saberian⁴, Parisa Hasani-Sharamin⁵, Navvab Shamspour⁶, Hosein Rafiemanesh⁷*

Published Online:
Dec 24, 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

The Arbaeen Hosseini (PBUH) ceremony, a significant religious mass gathering, poses potential risks for heat-related illnesses, especially in the hot and humid climate of Karbala, Iraq. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding heat-related illnesses and their associated factors among Iranian pilgrims at the Arbaeen Hosseini ceremony in Karbala, Iraq.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study collected data through a questionnaire. Pilgrims were sampled using convenience sampling at various borders of Iran and Iraq, as well as along walking routes to Karbala and in Iraqi cities.

Results:

Data from 1,413 pilgrims were analyzed. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice on a scale of 0–100 were 72.28, 53.19, and 62.34, respectively. Female pilgrims scored significantly higher than male pilgrims in knowledge, attitude, and practice (P < 0.05). There was also a significant positive relationship between education and both knowledge and attitude scores (P < 0.05), but not between education and practice scores (P = 0.237).

Conclusion:

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranian Arbaeen pilgrims regarding heat-related illnesses are moderate to high. KAP scores are associated with demographic factors such as age and sex. However, there are gaps in knowledge and practice, particularly among men and individuals with lower education levels.

Keywords:
Heat Stress Disorders, Heat Stroke, Attitude to Health, Mass Gatherings, Iraq

Funding:
The study received support from the Education, Research, and Technology Division of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

License:
This work has been published under CC BY-NC-SA license.
Copyright © Authors

Cite this article as:

Ostad-Ahmadi Z, Kolivand P, Saberian P, Hasani-Sharamin P, Shamspour N, Rafiemanesh H.
The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Iranian Pilgrims Regarding Heat-Related Illness during Arbaeen Hosseini Ceremony, as Religious Mass Gathering in the Karbala, Iraq.
Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2024; 98: 1–8.