Analysis of Healthcare Services in 2019 Arbaeen March: A Qualitative Study
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgeon, Defense Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran., Kheradmand Jalil Arab , Khankeh Hamidreza ,   Health in Accidents and Disasters Research Center, University of Social Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Hosseini Borujeni Seyyed Mohsen ,   Department of Nursing, Boroujen School of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran., Nasiri Ali ,   Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Health, Baqiyatullah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Akbari Shahrestanki Yousef ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health and Paramedical, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Ghanbari Vahid ,   Department of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran., Bazyar Jafar ,   School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran., Tavan Asghar ,   Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran., Safarpour Hamid ,   Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Nazari Saeed ,   Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Nursing, Army University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Muniei Mohammad ,   Department of Medical Emergencies, Faculty of Nursing, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Miressmaili Seyedah Samaneh ,   Defense Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
Published: February 2024

Background: The Arbaeen march ritual stands as one of the largest congregations, attended by tens of millions every year. Given the large number of participants in this ritual, it is essential to minimize the health repercussions for pilgrims and ensure their prompt access to medical care. The present study was conducted to analyze the healthcare services during the 2019 Arbaeen march. Materials and Methods: Employing a qualitative approach, this study utilized various data collection methods, including in-depth and semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document review. The target population comprised healthcare decision-makers, managers, and providers of the 2019 Arbaeen march. The interview and data collection guide were developed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Data collection continued until data saturation. Directed content analysis was employed to analyze the data. Results: Data saturation was achieved after conducting 30 personal interviews. Out of the challenges and significant factors found in healthcare deliveries during the Imam Hussein (AS) Arbaeen march, 9 main themes and categories were identified: Trauma system, disease surveillance system, health issues, health education and promotion, healthcare coordination and collaboration command in the health system, information and communication management, response planning, support and resource management, and safety and security. Conclusion: This study identified the major healthcare issues in the AS Arbaeen march, serving as an evidence-based guide for policymakers and planners of this famous religious ritual. The results of this study are applicable to similar public gatherings and marches.