Diseases Led to Refer Iranian Pilgrims From Hajj in 2012

BACKGROUND: Some Iranian pilgrims are referred to Iran because of catching a new disease or exacerbation of their disease during the Hajj ceremony. These diseases need prolonged and specialized treatments. Investigation of the reasons led to their return to Iran is useful and effective in policy-making and planning of preventive health services. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the causes of referring Iranian patients to Iran during Hajj in 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all Iranian pilgrim cases in Hajj (2012) who referred to Iran were studied, and data analysis was performed. Demographic data and the causes of return to Iran during and after Hajj rituals were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 106 cases were referred Iran during Hajj 2012. Psychiatric problems, with 26.4% allocated the highest rate of return to Iran during Hajj days, and significant difference was observed in the reasons before and after performing Hajj rituals (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric, neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases are the most frequent reasons of referring patients to Iran. More accuracy in screening and care of patients are recommended before Hajj in order to prevent references to Iran and its complications.