[Epidemiology of traveler's diarrhea in Spanish tourists travelling in developing countries].
BACKGROUND
Travellers' diarrhea (TD) is the most frequent problem in travellers going to the developing countries. This paper analyses the prevalence of the syndrome by geographical areas as well as the risk factors in 2209 Spanish travellers to 3 continents.


METHODS
Epidemiological data were gathered through a personnel interview filled by the travellers during their return trip. Those were introduce in a DbaseIII plus computer program and were evaluated through the Epi Info program.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of TD found was 41%. The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Moghreb countries showed a higher prevalence of TD. Trekkers and people on boat cruises (Nile and Amazon) had the highest prevalence of TD. The consumption of non-carbonic drinks and ice creams was significantly associated to TD. Travellers with previous gastrointestinal illnesses suffered more TD than others.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the fact that Spain in considered an area of intermediate risk for TD we found no significant differences in the prevalence of TD in Spanish travellers when compared with other published series from developed countries.
Gascón
J
J
Sección de Medicina Tropical, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona.
Ruiz
L
L
Canela
J
J
Mallart
M
M
Corachán
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000208:ethnology; D014195:Travel
Epidemiología de la diarrea del viajero en turistas españoles a países en desarrollo.