title: Descriptive analysis of malaria prophylaxis for travellers from Greece visiting malaria-endemic countries.
abstract: International travel is changing the epidemiology of imported malaria. Our aim was to study malaria prophylaxis administered to travellers from Greece. The study was conducted during 2008-2009. Data were collected using a standardized form. A total of 2337 travellers were studied; prophylaxis was recommended to 60.2% of them. Of the 2337 travellers, 32.6% travelled to sub-Saharan Africa, 25.5% to South America, 11.8% to Indian subcontinent, 11.7% to Middle East, and 4.4% to Southeast Asia; prophylaxis was recommended to 77.4%, 64%, 80.6%, 4.8% and 73.5% of them, respectively. According to the purpose of travel, prophylaxis was recommended to 85.4% of those travelling for work, 75.2% of those visiting friends and relatives, and 62% of those travelling for recreation. Prophylaxis advised was provided to 68.5%, 66.2%, 61.5%, and 18.9% to those staying at a residence of local people, camping, hotels, and cruise ships, respectively. Regarding long-term travellers, malaria prophylaxis was recommended to 42.6%. Recommendation of malaria prophylaxis was significantly statistically in association with destination countries, purpose of travel, type of residence in endemic areas There is a need to improve recommendations for malaria prophylaxis for travellers from Greece, and to increase awareness and education of professionals providing travel health services in Greece.
authors.affiliation: Travel Medicine Office, Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Androula
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pavli
authors.forename: Paraskevi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smeti
authors.forename: Athina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spilioti
authors.forename: Annita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vakali
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katerelos
authors.forename: Helena C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Maltezou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000368:Aged; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East; D013020:South America; D014195:Travel; D057236:Travel Medicine; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials