Travellers’ risk behaviors and health problems: Post-travel follow up in two travel medicine centers in Italy

• Published in: Infectious diseases now (Online) Vol. 51; no. 3; pp. 279 - 284
• Main Authors: Stefanati, A., Pierobon, A., Baccello, V., DeStefani, E., Gamberoni, D., Furlan, P., Sandri, F., Stano, A., Coin, P., Baldo, V., Gabutti, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.05.2021
• Subjects: Dangerous behavior; Travel medicine; Travel-associated infectious diseases; Travel-related health problems; Travel-related illness; Travel-related health problems; Dangerous behavior; Travel-related illness; Travel medicine; Travel-associated infectious diseases
• ISSN: 2666-9919; 2666-9919
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2020.10.009

•International travel can expose one to health risks and represents an important Public Health Issue.•The compliance to prophylactic measures and behavioral advice given during pre-travel consultation are fundamental preventive measures.•Pre-travel consultation is the only way to make travellers aware of specific risks that could occur during their trip and recommend specific prophylaxis, including immunization. We examined the association between travellers’ characteristics, compliance with pre-travel recommendations and health problems. Volunteer travellers were enrolled and data collected using a questionnaire between 30–60 days after returning home. We analyzed the associations through bivariate and multivariate models. Of the 468 enrolled travelers, 68% consumed raw food and 81% food containing milk and/or eggs. 32% consumed street vendor food and 30% drinks containing ice. 24% used the recommended mechanical prophylaxis measures. 46% got sick during and/or after travel (gastrointestinal symptoms most frequently). Factors predisposing to health problems were female gender, youth/middle age, intermediate travel duration and profession. The American continent and staying in hostels and tents were significantly associated with febrile illness. Street vendor food was significantly associated with skin reactions. Adherence to behavioral recommendations remains low. Travellers must be informed of health risks during and after travel.