Pre-Travel Medical Preparation of Business and Occupational Travelers: An Analysis of the Global TravEpiNet Consortium, 2009 to 2012
Khan, Nomana M. ; Jentes, Emily S. ; Brown, Clive ; Han, Pauline ; Rao, Sowmya R. ; Kozarsky, Phyllis ; Hagmann, Stefan H.F. ; LaRocque, Regina C. ; Ryan, Edward T. ; Global TravEpiNet Consortium (GTEN)
Citations
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
UMass Chan Affiliations
Document Type
Publication Date
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Link to Full Text
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to understand more about pre-travel preparations and itineraries of business and occupational travelers.
METHODS: De-identified data from 18 Global TravEpiNet clinics from January 2009 to December 2012 were analyzed.
RESULTS: Of 23,534 travelers, 61% were non-occupational and 39% occupational. Business travelers were more likely to be men, had short times to departure and shorter trip durations, and commonly refused influenza, meningococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines. Most business travelers indicated that employers suggested the pre-travel health consultation, whereas non-occupational travelers sought consultations because of travel health concerns.
CONCLUSIONS: Sub-groups of occupational travelers have characteristic profiles, with business travelers being particularly distinct. Employers play a role in encouraging business travelers to seek pre-travel consultations. Such consultations, even if scheduled immediately before travel, can identify vaccination gaps and increase coverage.
Source
J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Jan;58(1):76-82. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000602. Link to article on publisher's site