Pre-Travel Medical Preparation of Business and Occupational Travelers An Analysis of the Global TravEpiNet Consortium, 2009 to 2012

• Authors: Nomana M. Khan, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Emily S. Jentes, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Clive Brown, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Pauline Han, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine; Sowmya R. Rao, University of Massachusetts; Phyllis E Kozarsky, Emory University; Stefan H.F. Hagmann, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center; Regina C. LaRocque, Massachusetts General Hospital; Edward T. Ryan, Massachusetts General Hospital
• Journal Title: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Volume: Volume 58, Number 1
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins | 2016-01-01, Pages 76-82
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000602
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Epidemiology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; GEOSENTINEL SURVEILLANCE NETWORK; INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS; CORPORATE TRAVELER; AIRPORT SURVEY; HEPATITIS-A; RISK; KNOWLEDGE; ATTITUDES; HEALTH; DESTINATIONS

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.