Chi Huan-Ting, Liao Wei-Kai, Cheng Ming-Tai, Chou Wei-Kuo, Lin Chien-Hao
Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, No.7, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist, Taipei City, 100225, Taiwan.
BMC Emerg Med. 2025 Jul 21;25(1):132. doi: 10.1186/s12873-025-01293-x.
Mazu pilgrimages are among the largest moving religious events worldwide, involving ceremonies and processions spanning over 300 km in 8-10 days. The massive crowds pose unique public health challenges. This study aimed to assess the health risks and contributing factors of these events to help authorities and local healthcare services better anticipate, prepare for, and mitigate potential health issues during the pilgrimage.
We conducted a retrospective observational study using patient data from the Emergency Medical Resources Management System of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare from 1 January 2018 to 31 October 2024. Records included demographics, means of transport, Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale (TTAS) level, diagnosis, and disposition for each emergency department (ED) visit related to the two Mazu pilgrimages. Individual ED visits were aggregated into daily counts to estimate daily health impacts. The primary outcome was the daily total number of pilgrimage-related ED visits; secondary outcomes were daily counts for specific diagnoses. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between environmental and event-related factors-including whether the day was the start or end day of the pilgrimage (S-or-E-day), daily walking distance, highest temperature, and relative humidity-and the log-transformed daily ED visit and diagnosis-specific counts.
A total of 1,637 patients visited the ED during Mazu pilgrimages in the study period. Half arrived by ambulance, and 10.8% were triaged as TTAS I/II. Most patients (89.7%) were discharged without admission; only 8.1% were admitted to general wards. Trauma-related diagnoses were the most common (53.7%), with soft tissue injuries (28.1%) and heat emergencies (16.1%) being the most frequent trauma and non-trauma conditions, respectively. The S-or-E-day variable was significantly associated with the daily number of ED visits, trauma, head injuries, orthopaedic injuries, and heat emergencies. Walking distance was linked to ED visits and trauma cases, while highest temperature was linked to heat emergencies.
During Mazu pilgrimages in Taiwan, most patients visiting the ED presented with mild conditions, predominantly minor trauma-related injuries. By monitoring walking distance and temperature, healthcare providers can better anticipate and prepare for cases related to trauma and heat emergencies.
Not applicable.
妈祖朝圣是全球规模最大的移动宗教活动之一，涉及的仪式和游行活动在8至10天内跨越300多公里。大量人群带来了独特的公共卫生挑战。本研究旨在评估这些活动的健康风险及促成因素，以帮助当局和当地医疗服务机构更好地预测、准备并减轻朝圣期间潜在的健康问题。
我们利用台湾地区卫生福利部紧急医疗资源管理系统2018年1月1日至2024年10月31日的患者数据进行了一项回顾性观察研究。记录包括人口统计学信息、交通方式、台湾检伤分类及 acuity 量表（TTAS）等级、诊断结果以及与两次妈祖朝圣相关的每次急诊科就诊的处置情况。将个体急诊科就诊情况汇总为每日计数，以估计每日健康影响。主要结局是与朝圣相关的急诊科每日就诊总数；次要结局是特定诊断的每日计数。采用多变量线性回归分析环境因素和与活动相关的因素（包括当天是否为朝圣开始或结束日（开始日或结束日）、每日步行距离、最高温度和相对湿度）与经对数转换的每日急诊科就诊及特定诊断计数之间的关联。
在研究期间的妈祖朝圣活动中，共有1637名患者前往急诊科就诊。半数患者乘坐救护车抵达，10.8%被分诊为TTAS I/II级。大多数患者（89.7%）出院未住院；仅8.1%入住普通病房。与创伤相关的诊断最为常见（53.7%），其中软组织损伤（28.1%）和热相关急症（16.1%）分别是最常见的创伤和非创伤情况。开始日或结束日变量与急诊科每日就诊次数、创伤、头部损伤、骨科损伤和热相关急症显著相关。步行距离与急诊科就诊和创伤病例相关，而最高温度与热相关急症相关。
在台湾的妈祖朝圣期间，大多数前往急诊科就诊的患者病情较轻，主要是轻度创伤相关损伤。通过监测步行距离和温度，医疗服务提供者可以更好地预测并为与创伤和热相关急症有关的病例做好准备。
不适用
