Jalil Arab Kheradmand - Neurosurgeon, Defense Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
Hamidreza Khankah - Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health Research Center in Accidents and Disasters, University of Social Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Seyyed Mohsen Hosseini Borujeni - Health in Disasters
Ali Nasiri - Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Baqiyatullah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Yousef Akbari Shahrestanki - Department of Emergency Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Vahid Ghanbari - Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Jafar Bazyar - Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Asghar Tavan - Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Hamid Safarpour - Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeed Nazari - Student of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Army University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Muniei - Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Seyedah Samaneh Miressmaili - Disasters and Emergencies, Defense Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran.

Introduction: The Arbaeen march is one of the largest ritual gatherings, attended by tens of millions yearly. Given the large number of participants in this ritual gathering, it is essential to minimize the health consequences for pilgrims and ensure their timely access to medical care. The present study aimed to analyze the health and care-related aspects of the Arbaeen March in ۲۰۱۹. Methods: This was a qualitative study that used various data collection methods, including in-depth and semi-structured interviews, observations, and document review. The target population was healthcare decision-makers, managers, and providers of the ۲۰۱۹ Arbaeen March. The interview and data collection guide was developed using recommendations from the World Health Organization. Data collection continued until data saturation. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Several strategies were used to increase the validity and reliability of the results of this study. Results: Data saturation was reached after ۳۰ interviews. Nine main themes were identified: trauma system, disease surveillance, public health, health education and promotion, healthcare coordination and collaboration, health information and communication management, response planning, support and resource management, and safety and security. Conclusions: This study identified the major healthcare issues in the Arbaeen Hosseini procession (AS), which can be considered an evidence-based guide for policymakers and planners of this famous religious ritual. The results of this study can be used for other similar public gatherings and marches.

Arbaeen March, Healthcare, Qualitative study, Mass Gathering