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Objects of faith in various parts of the world draw visitors of all denominations, for different reasons. This paper studies the polysemic behaviour of people going to Quiapo Church in Manila, the Philippines. In particular, it focuses on the mammoth processions participated in by tens of thousands in a show of devotional fervour. In the conclusion, I tease out and summarise this aesthetic experience of devotion capturing the embodied values as annotated by the pilgrims. The three embodied values are a sense of personal miracle, a need to reciprocate, and a sense of community with and through this wooden image of the Black Nazarene with fellow devotees. This pilgrimage represents a radical levelling of social classes for the duration of a person�s participation in the ritual.

This contribution is a conversation between Matthew Rowley and Abram Van Engen about the latter's recent City on a Hill: A History of American Exceptionalism (Yale University Press, 2020). They discuss the changing importance of the Pilgrims and Puritans over four centuries, looking in particular at the contested nature of American identity that was constructed on divergent national foundation narratives. The conversation spans from the Mayflower in 1620 to debates over celebrating and confronting history in the present. We also discuss changing views of history, race, immigration, nationalism, and American exceptionalism, all in the context of political and historical polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If we think of the nation as a table, perhaps a Thanksgiving one, who belongs around it? Who is the host, and who the guest? What are the criteria for inclusion, and who gets to decide? This article uses the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower and the "First Thanksgiving" to explore "many great migrations." For those migrating and for those who encounter the migrants, the movement of peoples prompts fundamental questions of identity, difference, inclusion, and belonging. Perhaps looking at history can help those in the present view the challenging questions posed by new peoples as an opportunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how American presidents retell and interpret the so-called "First Thanksgiving." It offers analysis of the 20 presidential Thanksgiving proclamations issued from 2001 to 2020, situating them within the long evolution of the holiday. The specific focus is on how Bush, Obama, and Trump spoke of God, Pilgrims, Indians, and the enduring "spirit" of the First Thanksgiving. This analysis gives a glimpse into contemporary popular understandings and political uses of Thanksgiving and its imagined roots—and how those understandings and uses contrast with those of previous generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article charts a century of competition among American Protestants over the Pilgrims' legacy. The tug-of-war began in the 1820s, pitting Congregationalists against Unitarians, and grew to include other denominations with fewer reasons to celebrate the original Plymouth settlers, from Episcopalians and Baptists to Quakers and the AME Zion. It culminated in 1920, when ecumenists upheld a band of dissenting separatists as the true architects of Christian unity. This article argues that all of the back-and-forth helped to create American Protestant denominationalism, fine-tuning a competitive and often unwieldy system and providing a regular practice in the human intricacies of religious pluralism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the colonial period, many Americans have adhered to the notion of the United States as a unique nation, rooted in the idealism of the Pilgrims and Puritans, and deriving its values, purpose, and meaning from its Protestant, Anglo-Saxon heritage. The belief in New England exceptionalism as the source of American greatness provided a foundational past that scientists, academics, and legislators invoked in the twentieth century to justify laws restricting the arrival of Asians, Catholics, and Jews. These laws reflected historical tensions over American identity and reverberate in the nation's ongoing attempts to define and comprehend a shared past, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Every year the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia announces the opening of applications to those who wish to work on Hajj. A certain number of applicants are nominated, yet many nurses continue to apply to participate during Hajj ever year. Although nurses are under great work pressure during Hajj, many nurses still apply for the approval to participate in Hajj. Aims: The aim of this study is to identify the motivations of nurses to work during Hajj. Furthermore, to explore the motivations that lead nurses to participate in the Hajj season and to explore the challenges faced during the Hajj season. Settings and Design: The study used a descriptive qualitative study design. Twelve nurses participated in this study from Mina hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: In-depth semi-structured interview with 12 nurses. Data were collected from November 2020 to January 2021. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. Results: This study showed four themes motivating nurses to participate in Hajj: taking part in Hajj is an honor and they are proud of it; great rewards will be received from ALLAH; team spirit; and the fact that it is a good experience. This study also showed two of challenges that nurses face in Hajj which are pilgrims' low awareness and language barriers. Conclusions: The stakeholder should consider these themes and reinforce them to show to all nurses, as this may increase the quality of the applicants asking to work as nurses in Hajj. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of journeying as a pilgrim to the Holy Land pursuant to religiously defined and sanctioned purposes and objectives within Christianity has generated a significant body of cultural institutions and artifacts during the last two millennia. Access to the complex range of experiences and knowledge encountered by the traveler for the sedentary literate population of western Europe took the form of personal accounts, a genre whose initial structure drew upon the travel writing of the late Roman Empire. This article explores the creation and evolution of pilgrimage stories from the fourth to the twenty-first century, the varied array of women and men (both laity and clergy) who wrote them, and examines the research literature based upon them in the humanities and social sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Every year, over 2 million people gather together to observe the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. This presents a public health risk to both Saudi and the pilgrims' country of origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk perception and the source of health advice by the pilgrims. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among internal and external pilgrims performing the Hajj. The survey evaluates the general safety and preventative measures applied, factors influencing public health safety at Hajj, source of pre-travel health advice, recommended preventative health measures, and the effective preventative measures. Results: A total of 280 pilgrims from 28 different countries were approached of which 233 completed the survey with response rate of 83%. The majority (219 [94%]) of the respondents considered the Hajj as safe while 205 (88%) sought pretravel health advice. The most popular source of pre-travel health advice among the pilgrims were from medical professionals (83 [25.6%]) and other pilgrims (44 [18.9%]). Diversity and carelessness were believed to be the main factors influencing public health safety in the Hajj by 184 (79%) and 181 (78%) of the respondents respectively. Yellow fever (117 [50%]) and wearing of face masks (56 [24%]) were the most and least adopted recommended public health measures respectively while most pilgrims believed handwashing (137 [59%]) and wearing of face mask (119 [51%]) are the most effective preventative health measures. Conclusion: Our study shows a reduced perception by pilgrims of the health risk of the Hajj and highlights the need to improve how information is channelled to prospective pilgrims about preventative health measures. The discordance between recommended preventative health measures and adherences by pilgrims shows a need for a comprehensive enforcement program underpinned by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nineteenth century saw a massive surge, in both the United States and Europe, of travel literature about journeys to the Holy Land. This corpus included travelogues of both pilgrims and explorers but the two travelogues that are the objects of study in this article are quite unique. They were written by Norwegian-American Lutheran travellers who chose to write and publish books about their travels in Norwegian in the US. Thus, the accounts of Nehemias Tjernagel (1868–1958) and Ola Johann Særvold (1867–1937) are hybrid cultural productions that emerged at the intersection of a migratory flow that linked Norway, the US and the eastern Mediterranean. As a result, the analysis of the accounts offers a new take on American Orientalism that considers the religious, social and political contexts from which the authors came. Although they both have similar cultural and religious backgrounds, their views on people in the Holy Land, and particularly their views regarding Muslims and Jews, are distinct from one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of ethnographycarried out between 2018-2020, in Juazeiro do Norte city, aiming to do ethnographyon the pilgrimage ritual and visit to the tomb of Father CíceroRomão Batista by a group of eight pilgrims from the state of Alagoas. The current text specifically deals with the identity of the pilgrims, who has in Alagoas one of their greatest historical, cultural, human and social representations. The pilgrims' protagonism stands out, as well asthe spontaneity and authenticity of the pilgrims' culture in Juazeiro do Norte, not to mentionthepilgrims' corporality from Alagoas in his performance/ritual as being his most striking mark and feature. The article also reveals historical/cultural elements of popular Catholicism that are resistant, keeping themselves even nowadays in the pilgrims'culture of Alagoas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Grand Magal of Touba (GMT) associates with risks of infection, but no study on the circulation of resistant bacteria has yet been conducted. qPCR was performed on rectal samples from GMT pilgrims between 2018 and 2021, before and after their participation in the gathering. Rectal samples from between 2018 and 2020 were also cultured on specific media, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. Forty-one of the 296 (13.8%) pilgrims had at least one gastrointestinal symptom and 91/290 (31.4%) acquired pathogenic bacteria, mostly Escherichia coli. A total of 54.7% of pilgrims reported washing their hands more frequently than usual and 89.2% used soap. One hundred and five (36.2%) acquired at least one resistance gene, notably CTX-M A (21.0%), SHV (16.5%) and TEM (8.2%). The strains isolated by culture were mostly E. coli. These bacteria were found to be sensitive to carbapenems and resistant to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The acquisition of enteroaggregative E. coli was independently associated with CTX-M A and TEM acquisition. Pilgrims presented a risk for acquisition of CTX-M A after the GMT. Surveillance of the prevalence of resistant bacteria and the occurrence of associated clinical infections among pilgrims are necessary in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, the studies on lifestyle and genetic risks in Chinese pilgrims to Hajj was limited. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and associated lifestyle and genetic risks for hypertension among Hui Hajj pilgrims in China. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data in 1,465 participants aged 30–70 years who participated in a medical examination for Hui Hajj pilgrims from Gansu province, China in 2017. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of potential risk factors with hypertension. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymorphism was examined at sites in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Results The prevalence of hypertension was 47% among this population. Lifestyle factors such as fried food preference (like vs. dislike: odds ratio [OR]: =1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–2.09) and barbecued food preference (like vs. dislike: OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06–1.97) were associated with elevated risk of hypertension among Hui pilgrims. Comparing with Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) rs4425 AA genotype, TT genotype was associated with hypertension risk (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.17–4.00). Similar results were also observed for ACE rs4437 CC genotype (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07–3.55), Angiotensin II receptor (ATR) rs129876 AA genotype (OR = 4.10, 95% CI: 2.30–7.32) and Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) rs1912 TT genotype (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.57–5.06) genotypes. Conclusions Unhealthy lifestyle and genetic factors were associated with the prevalence of hypertension in Chinese Hui pilgrims and their interactions were also observed.

The article examines a number of 1960–1970s audio recordings contained in the archive of the Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS and analyzes tales of one pilgrimage to Tibet. The comparative analysis of legends dealing with Gelong Jijeten involves 5 textual versions recorded from local taletellers at different times. The analysis reveals a number of similarities and ‘typical features’ (10 positions), namely: the pilgrim’s name, the identified goal and destination of the pilgrimage, number of pilgrims, the character they meet en route, their means of transport, description of a Buddhist temple, time spent by Jijeten in the temple. All the versions also contain episodes 1) when those are treated to araka (‘alcohol distilled from milk products’), and 2) when pilgrims set off after the night stop but it is Jijeten sheltered overnight by the White Old Man who arrives first. Despite the five versions were recorded at different times and from different informants, all of them have retained a common plot basis ― both verbally and structurally. The 1960–1970s recordings made by local folklore researchers attest to the fact that Buddhism in Kalmykia had kept developing due to regular contacts with Tibet.

ABSTRACTWe conducted this study to describe the dynamics of the acquisition of respiratory pathogens, their potential interactions and risk factors for possible lower respiratory tract infection symptoms (LRTI) among French pilgrims during the 2018 Hajj. Each participant underwent four successive systematic nasopharyngeal swabs before and during their stay in Saudi Arabia. Carriage of the main respiratory pathogens was assessed by PCR. 121 pilgrims were included and 93.4% reported respiratory symptoms during the study period. The acquisition of rhinovirus, coronaviruses and Staphylococcus aureus occurred soon after arrival in Saudi Arabia and rates decreased gradually after days 5 and 6. In contrast, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae carriage increased progressively until the end of the stay in Saudi Arabia. Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis carriage increased starting around days 12 and 13, following an initial clearance. Influenza viruses were rarely isolated. We observed an independent positive mutual association between S. aureus and rhinovirus carriage and between H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis carriage. Dual carriage of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis was strongly associated with S. pneumoniae carriage (OR = 6.22). Finally, our model showed that M. catarrhalis carriage was negatively associated with K. pneumoniae carriage. Chronic respiratory disease was associated with symptoms of LRTI. K. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis-S. aureus and H. influenzae-rhinovirus dual carriage was associated with LRTI symptoms. Our data suggest that RTIs at the Hajj are a result of complex interactions between a number of respiratory viruses and bacteria.

This paper is on the analysis of the influence of religious tourism, i.e. organized homage to the monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church on constructing impressions of significance of the knowledge and holiness of a monastery to followers and devoted worshippers. One of the main starting points in this paper is that followers’ journeys represent a specific communication frame. Owing to various factors, there is a difference in “assessment” of monasteries by the followers, as well as a different level of their connection to the some monasteries, and this has a consequence of creating personal “hierarchy” of monasteries within this frame. The aim of this paper is studying in which way and in which extent organized followers’ journeys contribute to nominating some monasteries as outstanding in comparison to others by the followers of the Serbian Orthodox Church. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 177028: Strategije identiteta: savremena kultura i religioznost]

The period of returning the people to religion, that is evident in the last two decades, increased the number of the pilgrimage tours all over the world, including the Republic of Serbia. This research is oriented towards determination of different motives of Orthodox Christian Church Pilgrims from Serbia for visiting two monasteries important for Serbian medieval cultural heritage, catalogued on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Monastery Visoki Dečani and the Monastery Pećka Patrijaršija, as monasteries of high cultural and historical importance, with rich traditional spirituality, authentic architecture and fresco painting heritage. Both monasteries have significant role in the religious life of Serbians, but they also represent important symbols of the national identity among the Serbian people. Nowadays, the pilgrimage tours for visiting these monasteries are occurring in difficult conditions for Serbian citizens, due to the problem related to the safety and security situation and political conditions. This research was conducted in order to identify are there differences in pilgrims’ motivation for travelling, according to their socio-demographic characteristics. Thus, the focus on researching the motives of Serbian citizens for conducting the pilgrimage tours to these monasteries is significantly enhanced by the fact that visits to these monasteries involve even a risk for the life safety among the Serbian pilgrims. For conducting the research, we used the questionnaire with the identified 6 factors as possible motives for the pilgrimage. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 176020 OI: Transformation of geospace in Serbia - past, current problems and solution proposals]

This study estimates the point prevalence of symptomatic respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among returned Hajj pilgrims and their contacts in 2021. Using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) technique, domestic pilgrims were invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey two weeks after their home return from Hajj. Of 600 pilgrims approached, 79.3% agreed to participate and completed the survey. Syndromic definitions were used to clinically diagnose possible influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and COVID-19. Median with range was applied to summarise the continuous data, and frequencies and proportions were used to present the categorical variables. Simple logistic regression was carried out to assess the correlations of potential factors with the prevalence of RTIs. The majority of pilgrims (88.7%) reported receiving at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before Hajj. Eleven (2.3%) pilgrims reported respiratory symptoms with the estimated prevalence of possible ILI being 0.2%, and of possible COVID-19 being 0.4%. Among those who were symptomatic, five (45.5%) reported that one or more of their close contacts had developed similar RTI symptoms after the pilgrims’ home return. The prevalence of RTIs among pilgrims who returned home after attending the Hajj 2021 was lower compared with those reported in the pre-pandemic studies; however, the risk of spread of infection among contacts following Hajj is still a concern.

The objective of this study is to determine the acquisition of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and antibiotic resistance-encoding genes by French Hajj pilgrims and associated risk factors. Pilgrims traveling during the 2017 and 2018 Hajj were recruited. All pilgrims underwent two successive systematic nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs, pre- and post-Hajj. Specific culture media were used to screen for MDR bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant bacteria, and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). qPCR was used to identify antibiotic resistance-encoding genes from cultured isolates. Direct screening of genes encoding for colistin resistance (mcr-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8) from nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs was performed using qPCR, and positive qPCR results were simultaneously tested by sequencing. There were 268 pilgrims included. The percentage of pilgrims acquiring MDR bacteria during the Hajj was 19.4%. A total of 81 strains were isolated (1 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, 12 MRSA, and 68 ESBL-E). ESBL-E strains were found in rectal samples of 6.0% pilgrims pre-Hajj and of 16.4% pilgrims post-Hajj. Only 0.4% pilgrims were positive for CARB post-Hajj and 1.9% carried nasal MRSA pre- and post-Hajj. In addition, 23 (8.6%) post-Hajj rectal swabs were positive for mcr genes (19 mcr-1 gene and 4 mcr-4 gene). No significant association was found between co-factors and acquisition of MDR bacteria or mcr genes. MDR bacteria and genes are acquired by pilgrims during the Hajj mass gathering. Rationalization of antibiotic consumption and implementation of measures to prevent transmission of bacteria among pilgrims during the event are of paramount importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The image of the Holy Land/Palestine and special affinity among Protestant Americans in the first half of the nineteenth century, a period which has received relatively little religious analysis, was directly influenced by the Bible, but also by inaccurate descriptions of travellers in the region. This fact is illustrated by sharp exchanges between two Holy Land enthusiasts, James Silk Buckingham and Eli Smith. Their disagreements in describing famous places fed into divergent narratives about Palestine, one romantic and the other more realistic, both of which, however, were manipulated by the future Zionist enterprise to assert Jewish claims and ascendancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The authors aim to explore the pattern and demographics of dermatological disorders occurring during Hajj 2019. Clinical records from three major public healthcare facilities in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara were retrieved for the period July-August, 2019. Collected data included age, gender, nationality, and dermatological complaints. 550 records were retrieved. Patients were 282 (51.3%) males and 268 (48.7%) females with a mean age of 58.3±12.6 years. Most patients were Asians (n=320, 58.2%), and Africans (n=183, 33.3%). Accidents (n=226, 41.1%), and infections (148, 26.9%) were the most common complaints. Asians and Africans had significantly: more accidents and less infections (P=0.002, P=0.027 respectively). They were the only category affected by exacerbations of auto immune diseases. Asian and African pilgrims are mainly affected by traumatic dermatologic conditions. Preventive awareness programs should target these ethnicities to reduce their higher rates of accidents. Other ethnicities need programs that promote hygienic practices and target infections.

Copyright of Journal of Al-Frahids Arts is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objects of faith in various parts of the world draw visitors of all denominations, for different reasons. This paper studies the polysemic behaviour of people going to Quiapo Church in Manila, the Philippines. In particular, it focuses on the mammoth processions participated in by tens of thousands in a show of devotional fervour. In the conclusion, I tease out and summarise this aesthetic experience of devotion capturing the embodied values as annotated by the pilgrims. The three embodied values are a sense of personal miracle, a need to reciprocate, and a sense of community with and through this wooden image of the Black Nazarene with fellow devotees. This pilgrimage represents a radical levelling of social classes for the duration of a person's participation in the ritual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of enteric pathogens and risk factors for Hajj-associated diarrhea in Hajj pilgrims is poorly documented. Pilgrims from Marseille participating in the Hajj in 2016–2018 underwent successive systematic rectal swabbing before and after their travel. Carriage of the main enteric pathogens was assessed by real-time PCR. Baseline demographics, adherence to individual preventive measures, gastrointestinal symptoms, and treatments were recorded. A total of 376 pilgrims were included. The median age was 62.0 years. During the Hajj, 18.6% presented at least one gastrointestinal symptom, 13.8% had diarrhea, and 36.4% had acquired at least one enteric pathogen. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) were the pathogens most frequently acquired by pilgrims (17.6% and 14.4%, respectively). Being female was associated with increased frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms during the pilgrimage (aOR = 2.38, p = 0.004). Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) acquisition was associated with a four-fold higher risk of reporting at least one gastrointestinal symptom and diarrhea (aOR = 3.68 and p = 0.01 and aOR = 3.96 and p = 0.01, respectively). Pilgrims who suffered from diarrhea were more likely to wash their hands more often (aOR = 2.07, p = 0.03) and to be either overweight (aOR = 2.71, p = 0.03) or obese (aOR = 2.51, p = 0.05). Enteric bacteria such as E. coli that are frequently associated with traveler's diarrhea due to the consumption of contaminated food and drink were frequently found in pilgrims. Respecting strict measures regarding food and water quality during the Hajj and adherence to preventive measures such as good personal hygiene and environmental management will help reduce the burden of gastrointestinal infections at the event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia invests tremendous governmental resources to support the annual Hajj season, including providing free world-class healthcare for all visiting pilgrims. Nurses from around the Kingdom are encouraged to work at Makkah during this period. These nurses come from different cultural backgrounds and provide care for pilgrims from around the world. The study utlized descriptive phenomenology design. A total of 11 transcultural nurses were interviewed. A thematic analysis was performed to understand the lived experience of the transcultural nurses participating in the Hajj for the first time. Five themes emerged. These included serving with satisfaction; a supportive and fair system; professional and personal values; difference, and difficulties and problems. This is the first study of transcultural nurses' experiences of providing nursing care to pilgrims during the Hajj. The results highlight transcultural nurses' perceptions of the benefits and challenges of providing care during the Hajj and potential strategies to improve preparation and care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To perform Hajj properly, pilgrims have to be in good shape, both physically and psychologically. Those with mental disorders may encounter difficulties in completing Hajj. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Hajj pilgrims. Methods: Pilgrims were recruited through multi-stage random sampling for a total duration of 20 days during the 2016 Hajj. Semi-structured interviews were performed that included demographics, medical background, and assessment on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) scale to diagnose psychiatric disorders. Results: Out of the 513 pilgrims appraised, 37 (7.2%) had one or more psychiatric disorders. The most common psychiatric conditions were major depressive disorders (2.0%), agoraphobia (1.8%), and psychotic disorders (1.4%). Of note, 32 pilgrims (6.2%) posed a suicide risk. Of these pilgrims, 27 (5.3%) were found to have a low suicide risk, three (0.6%) a moderate suicide risk, and two (0.4%) a high suicide risk. Pilgrims with at least one psychiatric disorder, compared to those without any psychiatric disorders, were significantly more likely to be female (p < 0.001), unmarried (p < 0.012), have a suicide risk (p < 0.001), and be on psychiatric medication (p < 0.028). Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders were found to be widespread among Hajj pilgrims, particularly depressive disorders. Of particular concern, the suicidality risk was also found to be common, although low rates predominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors aim to explore the pattern and demographics of dermatological disorders occurring during Hajj 2019. Clinical records from three major public healthcare facilities in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara were retrieved for the period July-August, 2019. Collected data included age, gender, nationality, and dermatological complaints. 550 records were retrieved. Patients were 282 (51.3%) males and 268 (48.7%) females with a mean age of 58.3±12.6 years. Most patients were Asians (n=320, 58.2%), and Africans (n=183, 33.3%). Accidents (n=226, 41.1%), and infections (148, 26.9%) were the most common complaints. Asians and Africans had significantly: more accidents and less infections (P=0.002, P=0.027 respectively). They were the only category affected by exacerbations of auto immune diseases. Asian and African pilgrims are mainly affected by traumatic dermatologic conditions. Preventive awareness programs should target these ethnicities to reduce their higher rates of accidents. Other ethnicities need programs that promote hygienic practices and target infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Larq Journal for Philosophy, Linguistics & Social Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the Florentine diaries of pilgrimages to the Holy Land, dated between the XIIIth and xvth centuries, nature is always ascribed a powerfully symbolic value. This has both a metaphorical dimension and a taxonomic approach that is derived from the influence of practical writings, such as family books. The plant species described by the Florentine diarists, even within this new naturalistic paradigm, continue to maintain the sense of wonder and miracle as if they were a tangible expression of a divine presence that animates places and nature.

This paper scrutinizes visitors’ perceptions on religious tourism in South Africa (SA). The selected research site is Moria, located in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province, which is popular for its annual gathering during the Easter holiday period. Additionally, this paper argues that the area of Moria has much potential in terms of tourism growth and development. Limpopo Province prides itself for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) annual gathering due to economic spin-offs that are brought by the event. As such, it is suggested that the Provincial Government has to come up with mechanisms on how those economic spin-offs will benefit ordinary people and most importantly the tourism sector. To achieve this objective, 150 questionnaires were administered to visitors who attended the annual gathering in Moria during the Easter season in 2018. Furthermore, a simple random sampling technique was used and the collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The analysis sheds more light on the respondents’ profiles and experiences of the visit. For instance, most visitors were from domestic tourists. Interestingly, close family members and friends mostly accompanied the visitors. The findings of this study reveal that the motives for visiting the site were mainly religious. In the same breath, some visitors admitted that they went to Moria to shop and to participate in other activities. It is also interesting to note that visitors were excited about the kind of treatment they received from the locals. This could be seen as something that has a potential to assist Moria to grow and develop in terms of tourism. It is the view of this paper that the Government (more especially at provincial level) has a duty in terms of helping Moria to boost its tourism and thereby attracting more visitors. For example, the areas surrounding Moria are always facing challenges of traffic congestion. The Provincial Government could introduce some mechanisms to alleviate the traffic congestion challenge to promote this area’s tourism sustainability.

The article examines the intensity and structure of religiosity and spirituality of German-speaking foot and bicycle pilgrims on the Way of St. James within the framework of a multidimensional model of religiosity. The following nine aspects are distinguished: religious questions, faith, religious and spiritual identity, worship, prayer, meditation, monistic and dualistic religious experiences. Data of N=425 German-speaking pilgrims of the Way of St. James from the years 2017 and 2018 are analyzed. The data of the Religion Monitor 2017 from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (N=2837) serves as a population-representative comparison sample. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression analyses are used to analyze and to compare the two groups. The results show that German-speaking pilgrims in the analyzed sample have substantially higher values on all dimensions of religiosity than the general population in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This difference is most pronounced in the spiritual self-concept. However, for most pilgrims, the categories religious and spiritual are not mutually exclusive. Rather, spirituality forms a basis shared by almost all pilgrims in the sample, to which religiousness is added for many. Further, results are discussed in the light of the existing foot and bicycle pilgrimage research. Conclusively, it can be said that tourism and church actors should consider the religious character of pilgrims, which remains despite all changes in the religious landscape.

Abstract Background Patients with suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection should be hospitalized in isolation wards to avoid transmission. This suspicion can also lead to medical confusion and inappropriate management of acute respiratory syndrome due to causes other than MERS-CoV. Methods We studied the characteristics and outcome of patients hospitalized for suspected MERS-CoV infection in the isolation wards of two referral infectious disease departments in the Paris area between January 2013 and December 2016. Results Of 93 adult patients (49 male (52.6%), median age 63.4 years) hospitalized, 82 out of 93 adult patients had returned from Saudi Arabia, and 74 of them were pilgrims (Hajj). Chest X-ray findings were abnormal in 72 (77%) patients. The 93 patients were negative for MERS-CoV RT-PCR, and 70 (75.2%) patients had documented infection, 47 (50.5%) viral, 22 (23.6%) bacterial and one Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Microbiological analysis identified Rhinovirus (27.9%), Influenza virus (26.8%), Legionella pneumophila (7.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.5%), and non-MERS-coronavirus (6.4%). Antibiotics were initiated in 81 (87%) cases, with two antibiotics in 63 patients (67.7%). The median duration of hospitalization and isolation was 3 days (1–33) and 24 h (8–92), respectively. Time of isolation decreased over time (P

The two major gatherings of Muslims which take place in Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities of Saudi Arabia, are umrah during Ramadan the 9th month and Hajj Dhul-Hajjah in the 12th month of the Islamic year. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a massive economic and social impact on pilgrimages for Muslims - because these gatherings could lead to widespread exposures and possible spread of COVID-19 to every corner of the world, it forced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to cancel Umrah in March 2020. The pandemic has also prompted the Saudi government to limit Hajj, with some exceptions, to pilgrims already in the country. As Hajj is one of the largest religious gathering in the world, Saudi officials, religious scholars, and scientists must meet the serious challenge to understand the impact of limiting this mass gathering. Over recent decades, the numbers of Hajj pilgrims and visitors has been increasing and existing facilities are struggling to meet their needs. Therefore, while many may see the COVID-19 outbreak during Hajj as a challenge, instead it may provide an opportunity for the Saudi Arabia government and the broader Muslim world to rethink their response to this essential Muslim pilgrimage during the pandemic. This paper will explore the COVID-19 challenges facing the government of Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world over the coming months and analyse economic implications of the outbreak. Therefore, the paper will clarify the serious COVID-19 health risk facing Hajj pilgrims and argues that geopolitics needs to be considered more seriously by organisations and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present critical review examines the role of religious healing in mental health in Greece. After describing the history of psychiatry in Greece, and the close links between medicine and religion, we discuss the role of various ritual contexts in healing mental distress. Findings suggest that supernatural explanatory models of mental illness, such as the evil eye and spirit possession still appear to be prevalent in many parts of Greece. Despite the availability of mainstream psychology, patients and their families commonly resort to religious healers. The perception is that ritual healing is effective in alleviating symptoms of mental distress. While studies suggest that ritual participation can be efficacious, there is a need for future research to examine the efficacy of religious healing for mental disorders. Ethnographic methods will play a significant role in understanding how ritual attendees perceive healing and biomedical assessments elucidate physiological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religious pilgrimages are components of religious tourism and a revenue generator for different countries. The study aims to explore the contribution of African religious pilgrimages towards tourism development of the study areas. Sequential exploratory mixed method research design was applied in this paper. The study used a convenience sampling method of the non-probability sampling design in selecting 210 respondents. Additionally, convenience sampling was used in selecting 40 participants that were readily and easily accessible in the study area. Lastly, the elucidates that there is a need for tourism development for African religious pilgrimages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Mustansiriya Journal of Arts is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Adab Al-Kufa is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND Based on the regulation of the Indonesian Ministry of Health No. 15 of 2016 about health istithaah for the Hajj, patients with tuberculosis (TB) can be categorized into ineligible or temporarily ineligible pilgrims. This study aimed to know the characteristics of pilgrims with TB and determined their level of fitness for fulfilling the health istithaah. METHODS A cross-sectional study of pilgrims from Jakarta who were receiving TB treatment during the Hajj in 2018 was conducted with consecutive sampling. The secondary data was collected from the Hajj Integrated Computer Health System 2018, TB registered form, and six-minute walk test (the fitness level data) conducted by the District Hajj Health Team at district health centers in DKI Jakarta and Pondok Gede before the Hajj embarkation in June-July 2018. The questionnaire to the Indonesian Hajj Health Team during pilgrimage was also included as additional data. RESULTS Thirty-one pilgrims received TB treatment and completed the intensive phase of TB treatment, but 29 pilgrims had no symptoms. Among them, 2 patients had MDR-TB. Most of them were male aged ≥40 years old. Twelve pilgrims with TB have a sufficient fitness. All pilgrims were able to run the pillars of the Hajj. CONCLUSIONS Pilgrims with TB, including MDR-TB, who had completed the intensive phase with a negative sputum smear test were declared eligible for the Hajj with assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Science & Research Publishing is the property of Mussasat Al-Majallah Al-Arabiyah lil-Ulum Wa-Nashr Al-Abhath and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study aimed at identifying the interaction of pilgrims with the services provided by the General Presidency of The Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques through "Facebook". The descriptive method was used as a data collection tool. The field sample consisted of 200 individuals spalled from the two pages, 'Ministry of Hajj' and 'The Grand Mosque'. Findings show that there are statistically significant differences between the forms of interaction of the respondents with the services provided by the General Presidency for the Two Holy Places on the pages of the Ministry of Hajj and the Grand Mosque, and in the direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess current patterns of antibiotic use by carrying out two point-prevalence surveys (PPS) in Madinah after the return of hajj pilgrims from Makkah and when Madinah is free from pilgrims. Methods: In September 2016 and November 2016, a prospective PPS was conducted on two separate dates (during the hajj pilgrims stay in Madinah and after they leave). Data on antibiotics use were generated during these two periods. This involved an audit from all the departments of two referral hospitals (King Fahad Hospital (KFH) - 425 beds, and Al Ansar Hospital - 100 beds) of inpatients records. Data were collected using standard forms adapted from the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC). Results: A total of 675 inpatients were included in PPS; among them, 332 (49.18%) patients were receiving antibiotic therapy. In September 2016, 168 patients were treated with antibiotics, with a prevalence rate of 50.60%, whereas, in November 2016, the prevalence rate was 49.40%. Overall, 198 patients were identified in surgical wards, of which 132 patients (66.6%) were receiving antibiotic therapy; 121 patients in ICU of which 70 patients (57.8%) received antibiotics; 13 patients in other wards of which 6 (46.1%) received antibiotic treatment; and 343 patients in medical wards of which 126 patients (36.7%) were treated with antibiotics. There was no significant difference in prevalence of antibiotic prescribing between the two surveys (Pearson Chi-square test, p = 0.56) and with regards to patient age between the two surveys (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.32). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that antibiotic use with adherence to hospital guidelines and PPS helps in identifying targets for quality improvement. Moreover, to escalate the prudent use of antibiotics in hospitals, PPS provides a useful tool. Furthermore, this survey provides a background to evaluate antibiotic use by a standardized methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IUG Journal of Humanitarian Research is the property of Islamic University of Gaza and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Basic Education College Magazine For Educational & Humanities Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)