title: Chronic illnesses in travelers to developing countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data regarding travelers with chronic illnesses (TCI) traveling to developing countries is limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective cohort study of travelers. We analyzed demographics, travel destinations, travel dates and duration, as well as the medical history (chronic illnesses, chronic medications, and allergies) of the travelers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 16,681 travelers evaluated, 3046 (18%) were TCI, of who, 2221 (13%) were taking chronic medications. The percentage of TCI ranged from 4% in the first decade of life to 65% in the 8th decade. The highest number of TCI (1085) was among the 20–30 years age group. The median age (IQR) of TCI was 39.0 (23.1–58.2), compared to 24.2 (22.0–32.1) years, of healthy travelers (p < 0.001). The major pre-existing medical conditions among TCI were endocrine/metabolic (38%), cardiovascular (26%) and pulmonary illnesses (16%). Within age groups, no difference was found in itinerary and other travel characteristics. However, 20–30 years old TCI, who were using chronic medications had significantly shorter travel duration (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TCI form a significant proportion of travelers among all age groups and travel destinations. Chronic illnesses appear to have little impact on travel itinerary and characteristics, but chronic medication use is associated with shorter travel duration to developing countries.
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stienlauf
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Streltsin
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Meltzer
authors.forename: Eran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kopel
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leshem
authors.forename: Gad
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Segal
authors.forename: Shaye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kivity
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014195:Travel; D055815:Young Adult