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KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINATION AMONG HAJJ PILGRIMS FROM EGYPT

Wahhaj Hani Rajab 1*, Alhussein Abdullah Alsharif 2

Background: Hajj is a unique mass gathering event that is associated with a high risk of transmission of infectious diseases particularly meningococcal meningitis. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Egyptian pilgrims towards meningococcal meningitis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out via distributing a questionnaire to 442 Egyptian pilgrims attending the Hajj in 2017. The questionnaire included demographic data and questions about the meningococcal vaccines. Results: Among 442 participants, 72% were males, 94% were married, and 40% had a college level education. About 88% and 82% were aware of the necessity to receive the meningococcal vaccine when required and when just recommended, respectively. However, only 48% and 55% had heard of the disease and vaccine, respectively. Awareness of the disease details (epidemiology, symptoms, vaccination timing, schedule, and management) was present among less than one third of the participants. Educational level had a significant impact on knowledge of all the details (p<0.001), whilst other demographic data had an impact on only few questions. Conclusions: Despite the good attitudes of the Egyptian pilgrims towards receiving the meningococcal vaccine before the Hajj, knowledge and awareness about the disease and its vaccine remain defective. Education is a strong determinant of awareness. Therefore, health authorities are highly recommended to Keywords: Attitudes, Egyptian pilgrims, Hajj, Knowledge, meningococcal vaccination, vaccine.

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