Patients admitted to emergency units with injuries related to the four Hajj-associated annual animal sacrifice feasts from 2010 to 2013

Abstract

Background: During the Eid al-Adha ("Sacrifice Feast") religious holiday in Muslim communities animal sacrifices are made over a period of 3 days every year. oBjectives: The aim of this study was to determine the type of sacrifice-related injuries, the characteristics of patients, treatments for injuries, and relationships between these factors to determine precautions that could be taken to avoid or mitigate sacrifice-related injuries. design: Retrospective study of medical records. setting: Emergency units at two hospitals from 2010 to 2013. Patients and MetHods: Patients admitted for treatment for injuries associated with sacrificial cutting during the four annual sacrifice feasts were classified as professional butchers, apprentice butchers, and third persons who were neither professional butchers nor apprentices. Main outoMe Measre(s): Injuries associated with animal sacrifice. results: Of 592 patients, 22 (3.7%) were professional butchers, 149 (25.2%) apprentice butchers, and 421 (71.1%) third persons. Significant relationships were found between the profession of the injured person and the injury and subsequent treatment (P