Alfian Nur Rosyid, Wiwin Is Effendi, Herley Windo Setiawan, Arina Dery Puspitasari, Yenny Transiska, Mauliza, Galoeh Adyasiwi, Ahmad Mufid Sultoni, Yuliza, Edi Supriyatna, Mohammad Imran, Sri Soenarti, Nurkhalis, Mohamad Irpan
Introduction: Respiratory infections remain a major cause of morbidity during the Hajj pilgrimage due to extreme crowd density, environmental exposure, and the high proportion of elderly pilgrims with chronic conditions. This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with influenza and pneumonia among Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 40 Indonesian pilgrims presenting with respiratory symptoms at Indonesian Hajj Health Clinics in Saudi Arabia. Data on demographics, comorbidities, preventive behaviors, clinical findings, laboratory results, and management outcomes were obtained from medical records and structured interviews. Associations were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Most participants were male (57.5%) and aged ≥60 years (57.5%). Pneumonia occurred in 35%, influenza A in 15%, and COVID-19 in 2.5%. Lack of influenza vaccination was significantly associated with influenza (100% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.020). Pneumonia was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (50% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.029), chronic lung disease (35.7% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.039), chronic cough >2 weeks (50% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.029), and oxygen therapy requirement (85.7% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.002). Discussion: These findings highlight the role of advanced age, comorbidities, and inadequate preventive behaviors in increasing infection risk, although the small sample size may limit generalizability. Conclusion: Respiratory illness among Indonesian Hajj pilgrims was associated with older age, comorbidities, and insufficient preventive measures. Strengthening vaccination, hygiene, and predeparture disease control may reduce morbidity. 2026, Bentham Science Publishers
Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia; Airlangga University Teaching Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, RSUD Ratu Aji Putri Botung Penajam Paser Utara, Indonesia; Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Nursing, Yannas Husada Health Vocational School, Bangkalan, Indonesia; Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, RSUD Dr. H. Chasan Boesoirie, Ternate, Indonesia; Pusat Kesehatan Haji, Kementerian Kesehatan Republik, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; RSUD dr. Zainoel Abidin, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muhammadiyah, Purwokerto, Indonesia
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