Health Awareness and Effectiveness of Health Promotion during the Shaabania Mass Gathering, Karbala, 2025

Abstract

    This study aimed to assess health awareness, evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion activities, and identify the challenges faced by attendees of the Shaabania mass gathering in Holy Karbala in 2025.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 442 participants, selected using a random sampling technique between February 12–15, 2025. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to health promotion. The questionnaire was pre-tested on a small sample for clarity and validity. Data were collected electronically using Kobo Toolbox, and Data were analyzed entirely using Microsoft Excel.

Results: Overall, 72.4% of participants reported seeing health messages, but only one-third could recall their content. While 85% believed health promotion was essential, only 31.7% considered the activities fully sufficient. Hand hygiene was practiced consistently (97.5%), yet adherence to other preventive measures, such as sanitizer use and safe food practices, was lower. Among participants who experienced health issues (n=107), only 25.2% found health efforts useful.

 Conclusion: Although participants demonstrated moderate to high awareness, significant gaps exist in message comprehension and behavioral application. Health promotion should be simplified, culturally adapted, and reinforced with real-time feedback and better visibility of health teams to strengthen preparedness for future mass gatherings.