Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common type of high-altitude sickness. The incidence of AMS varies by mountain location, trail characteristics, and study design. There are lack of local epidemiology data regarding the incidence and severity of AMS and its associated factors at Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia.
A cohort study was conducted in 2020 to collect data from climbers after days 1 (3272 m) and 2 (4095 m) of ascent. A self-administered questionnaire was used to explore climbers’ demographic, history of AMS, alcohol exposure, and AMS prevention measures. The Lake Louis score 2018 was used to assess the presence and severity of AMS. Results show from 345 climbers, the incidence of AMS was 23.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]) and 21.7% (95% CI) on days 1 and 2, respectively.
The majority were mild cases. Experiencing AMS on day 1, alcohol consumption, receiving guide advice on day 1 and age were significant determinants of AMS at Mount Kinabalu. Gender, history of AMS, past exposure to high altitude, ascending time, water intake, acetazolamide use, physical fitness, pulse rate, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) were not associated with AMS at Mount Kinabalu.
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