Identikit of Umbrian traveller: analysis of clinical activity in a travel medicine unit, Italy

Abstract

Travel medicine clinic is the proper medical centre aimed to provide updated recommendations before the journey. We analysed Travel Medicine Clinic of the Local Health Unit in Umbria region data. Study aim was to assess the number of accesses done during 2016. Demographics characteristics, travel and health information were collected. An electronic ad hoc database was developed. Data paper-based referring to 2016 were recorded in this electronic registry, developed on Microsoft Office Access®. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA SE/12®. In 2016, 891 subjects came in our clinic in order to get information before travel. In our sample, 53.3% were male and the mean age was 35.33 years ± 0.58. Almost half  were high educated. Twenty percent of the people were foreign. Vaccines against food-and waterborne diseases were the most frequently administered. Approximately, in 74% of the attenders we suggested an anti-malaria prophylaxis (Mefloquine in one-half, approximately). Every traveller received a pre-travel counselling. Sociodemographic characteristics of Umbrian travellers, information about destinations and type of journeys are presented in this paper. Performance activity of our clinic and the adherence to preventive protocol in case of international travels, have been assessed.