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SM Journal of Infectious Diseases

Frequency of Travelers with Chronic Conditions: Results from EPICHRONTRAV Study

[ ISSN : 3066-134X ]

Abstract
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Received: 29-Oct-2022

Accepted: 03-Dec-2022

Published: 05-Dec-2022

Research Article | Volume 5 - Issue 1 | Article DOI :

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Cristina Masuet-Aumatell¹,² and Josep Maria Ramon-Torrell¹,²*

¹Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Preventive Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Catalonia, Spain

²Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Catalonia, Spain

Corresponding Author:

Josep Maria Ramon-Torrell, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Clinical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Catalonia, Spain, Tel: +342-607-580; Fax: +349-326- 078-49; ORCiD: 0000-0001-5355-4136; E-mail: jmramon@ub.edu

Keywords

Healthcare attendance; Chronic condition; Chronic illnesses; Travel medicine; Vaccination; Immunosuppressed conditions

Abstract

Background: Current demographic changes and improvement of quality of life of patients with chronic conditions have direct consequences on international traveling.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess needs in pre-travel health care in a sample of travelers with some chronic condition compared to healthy travelers moving abroad.

Methods: A retrospective adult cohort study was performed including attendees of a Travel Medicine Clinic in a 2-year period of time traveling to tropical areas.

Results: Over the 2-year period, 10,108 subjects presented to the travel clinic for pre-travel health care, 51.3% of whom were females with a mean age of 40.6 years (± 12.2 SD), mainly European (85.6%), and traveling to sub-Saharian Africa (31%). One in five travelers had one or more documented chronic disease [21.3% (95%CI 20.50 - 22.10) ], statistically higher in males, older than 30 years of age, traveling to Middle East, as VFR or tourism purpose (p < 0.05). Main chronic conditions observed were cardiovascular diseases (10.9%, 95%CI 10.29 - 11.50) followed by endocrine-metabolic conditions (7.8%, 95%CI 7.32 - 8.37) and cancer (3.1%, 95%CI 2.77 - 3.44) statistically different by gender. While immunosuppressed conditions, independently of gender and travel destination, were present in 4.2% (95%CI 3.81 - 4.60) of travelers but higher in older than 30 years of age, traveling as VFR or organized tourism purpose (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Findings from this large-scale study indicated a high amount of travelers with at least one chronic or immunosuppressed condition that should be taken in consideration into the pre-travel health advice in a current volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous scenario.

Citation

Masuet-Aumatell C, Ramon-Torrell JM (2022) Frequency of Travelers with Chronic Conditions: Results from EPICHRONTRAV Study. SM J Infect Dis 5: 7.