Characteristics and Outcomes of Conditions Encountered in Primary Care During FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The FIFA World Cup, a massive football event, presents significant challenges to healthcare systems. Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in patient-provider interactions and serves as a cornerstone of the system. This study aimed to assess the frequency, characteristics, and outcomes of conditions treated in primary care facilities during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 15 to December 20, 2022. All patients visiting the 29 governmental primary healthcare facilities in Qatar were included. Anonymous patient data, including age, sex, nationality, diagnosis, treatments, visit date, consultation type, and outcomes, were extracted from electronic medical records. A total of 401,962 patients were seen in primary care, with an average age of 34.50 ±19.3 years. Less than 1% held Hayya Visa (n=3120, 0.8%), and roughly 2% were referred to secondary care (8494, 2.1%). The most prevalent diagnoses were Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=59670, 7.7%) and upper respiratory tract infection (n=47364, 6.2%). Paracetamol was the most frequently prescribed medication (n=69,960, 11.9%). Elderly patients (OR=1.23), non-Qatari patients (OR=1.25), and male patients (OR=1.17) were more likely to be referred to secondary care. Hayya cardholders were about twice as likely to be transferred (OR=2.40). Primary healthcare services operated efficiently during the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The majority of cases involved managing chronic diseases and minor respiratory infections. Football enthusiasts and non-Qatari individuals were more often referred to secondary healthcare. These findings can guide policymakers in enhancing primary healthcare services for future mass gatherings.