Muslim-Way Health Promotion Problems and Needs of the Elderly from Central Thailand Participating in the Hajj

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represents a major global religious phenomenon that attracts millions of Muslim pilgrims from across the globe. However, the unique mass gathering conditions, extreme thermal stress, severe overcrowding, and physical exertion inherent to the pilgrimage pose substantial and complex health risks to participants. These health hazards are particularly pronounced among vulnerable older adults, who face heightened susceptibility to both communicable respiratory infections and exacerbations of non-communicable chronic diseases. In Thailand, despite the continuous annual participation of Muslim pilgrims, there remains an evident lack of prior empirical research regarding the development of a comprehensive, culturally tailored health promotion program specifically designed for older adults residing within the Central region. Therefore, this qualitative investigation aimed to: 1) examine health promotion behaviors, prevailing physical health problems, and lifestyle barriers based on the Islamic way of life among elderly Muslims in the Central region of Thailand preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage, and 2) explore potential strategic guidelines and actionable approaches to establish appropriate, proactive health management interventions tailored to this specific demographic and their community context.
Methods: A qualitative research design utilizing a case study approach was conducted to gather rich contextual insights. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants comprising six experienced Hajj tour leaders (Shaikhs) operating within the Central region of Thailand, selected via convenience sampling based on specified eligibility criteria. The collected narrative data were systematically analyzed using thematic content analysis, and data trustworthiness as well as analytical credibility were verified through data triangulation methods.
Results: The empirical findings revealed that health promotion behaviors among elderly pilgrims face multiple structural and personal constraints, particularly regarding the engagement in appropriate and consistent physical exercise. Most elderly pilgrims frequently experienced underlying physical health impairments resulting from pre-existing chronic conditions, coupled with substantial psychological anxiety regarding unfamiliar environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and dense crowds at the destination. Furthermore, a critical deficiency in health literacy and health-related knowledge was identified, specifically concerning adequate physical pre-departure preparation and preventive health maintenance.
Application of this study: The study recommends implementing training programs and community-based health promotion activities in collaboration with religious leaders and Hajj organizers (Shaikh) to enhance elderly pilgrims’ knowledge in nutrition, physical exercise, and mental health management appropriate to the Islamic context.
Conclusions: This study highlights an urgent, pressing need for developing culturally appropriate, community-based health promotion strategies and healthcare innovations tailored to the Islamic way of life for older Thai Muslim pilgrims preparing for the Hajj. It strongly emphasizes fostering robust, multi-sectoral collaborative partnerships among healthcare professionals, local religious leaders, and Hajj tour operators (Shaikhs). Working together to systematically prepare pilgrims' physical capacity and mental well-being prior to departure will effectively promote healthier behaviors, mitigate preventable disease risks, and ultimately ensure maximum safety, spiritual fulfillment, and sustainable health outcomes for elderly pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.