Effect of nursing knowledge on heat exposure risk in Mecca health centers in 2024

Abstract

Although classic heat exposure and heat stroke are among the oldest known human diseases, their early clinical manifestations, natural history, and complications remain poorly described. Heat exposure and heat stroke are life- threatening conditions characterized by a rapid increase in core body temperature to above 40°C and neurological changes such as delirium, seizures, or coma following exposure to extreme heat alone or in combination with strenuous physical exertion. Heat-related illnesses (HRIs), such as heat stroke (HS) and heat exhaustion (HE), are common complications of the Hajj. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) has developed guidelines for the management of HRIs to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Medical staff must follow the latest national guidelines for the management of HRIs before and during hospitalization. Effect of nursing knowledge on heat exposure risk in Mecca health centers in 2024. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses to investigate the risk of heat exposure and prevalence of heat-related illnesses among pilgrims who visited primary health care centers inMakkah from May 1, 2024 to May 30, 2024. The total sample size of participating nurses was (200). Relationship between nurses' knowledge of heat exposure hazards and prevalence of heat-related illnesses among pilgrims The relationship between the knowledge level of most participants was general knowledge (56.0%) followed by high knowledge (26.0%) but weak knowledge (18.0%) and total knowledge(100.0%), with significant relationships at P value <0.001 and X2 48.16. Conclusion: Heat exposure and heat illness are not common problems for Saudi Arabians. However, they are significant for pilgrims from other parts of the world during the Hajj season, which varies according to the lunar year. In recent years, the Hajj timing coincides with the summer months of July and August. The average temperature during the Hajj reaches 54 °C (130 °F).