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1.
Radiologia (Engl Ed) ; 66(4): 366-373, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39089796

ABSTRACT

The migration phenomenon is increasingly common worldwide. It is essential for radiologists to be aware of the endemic diseases of the migrant's country as well as the characteristics of the journey to be able to understand and interpret radiological findings when admitted to our centre. This article aims to use imaging from our centre to describe the most common pathologies that migrant patients present with after long journeys by boat.


Subject(s)
Transients and Migrants , Humans , Travel , Travel-Related Illness , Male , Female , Adult
2.
BMJ Open ; 14(7): e083065, 2024 Jul 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39067885

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Current traveller health surveillance is 'top-down'. Mobile-based surveillance could capture infection symptoms in real time. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of illness in travellers using a mobile app-based system. METHODS: This study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04672577) used an application called Infection Tracking in Travellers (ITIT) that records travel-related illness symptoms with associated geolocation and weather data. The free ITIT app is available in 14 languages. Participants were recruited globally from April 2022 to July 2023. Participants >18 years of age travelled internationally and provided electronic consent. Incentives included the provision of travel health information imported from the WHO website. Symptoms were recorded with daily pop-up questionnaires and symptom severity was assessed using a Likert scale. Two post-travel questionnaires were administered. Logistic mixed models examined factors relating to symptom presence, and a random forest model examined symptom impact. RESULTS: 609 participants were recruited until July 2023. Participants had an average age of 37 years (18-79), and an average travel duration of 26 days (2-281). Most participants were travelling for leisure/tourism (401; 66%), followed by 'visiting friends and relatives' (99; 16%) and business travel (80; 13%). All continents were visited by at least one traveller. Of 470 registered trips, symptoms were reported on 163 trips (35%). Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported on 87 trips (19%) and respiratory symptoms on 81 trips (17%). The most important factors in predicting the presence of symptoms were duration of travel, travelling in winter and high humidity. Diarrhoea, headache and nausea were symptoms with most impact on daily activities. Post-travel questionnaires showed that 12% of surveyed participants experienced symptoms with several episodes of self-treatment. Two diagnoses were recorded: Lyme disease and amoebic dysentery. CONCLUSION: The digital tool ITIT successfully captures the spectrum of travel-related illness. This detailed epidemiology is crucial for outbreak detection and for the formulation of travel medicine guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04672577.


Subject(s)
Mobile Applications , Travel-Related Illness , Humans , Adult , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Aged , Adolescent , Surveys and Questionnaires , Travel , Global Health
3.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 73(22): 514-516, 2024 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38843099

ABSTRACT

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, usually manifests as meningitis or septicemia and can be severe and life-threatening (1). Six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X, and Y) account for most cases (2). N. meningitidis is transmitted person-to-person via respiratory droplets and oropharyngeal secretions. Asymptomatic persons can carry N. meningitidis and transmit the bacteria to others, potentially causing illness among susceptible persons. Outbreaks can occur in conjunction with large gatherings (3,4). Vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts of infected persons is critical to preventing secondary cases (2).


Subject(s)
Meningococcal Infections , Neisseria meningitidis , Humans , Meningococcal Infections/epidemiology , Meningococcal Infections/prevention & control , United States/epidemiology , France/epidemiology , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Young Adult , Adult , Adolescent , Male , Female , Neisseria meningitidis/isolation & purification , Child , Child, Preschool , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Infant , Aged , Travel-Related Illness , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Travel
4.
Am J Otolaryngol ; 45(4): 104332, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38663328

ABSTRACT

Havana Syndrome is used to describe the array of deficits seen in diplomats stationed in Cuba from August 2016 to September 2017.1 Patients from this cohort were clinically studied, investigating their symptoms, audition and vestibular deficits, and imaging abnormalities seen on MRI.1-3 The primary studies were retrospective, looking at how these symptoms could be classified or fit into diagnostic criteria. The cohort had many similarities: a sound at the onset of symptoms, a mix of neurologic and otologic symptoms, and persistent symptoms that lasted for months.1-3 Theories of the cause of Havana Syndrome have led to no conclusive answer. Potential viral etiologies, mass psychogenic illness, and head trauma were examined as causes.1-5 Diseases with established diagnostic criteria were used to compare the patients' symptoms to try to find a disease that fits Havana Syndrome.3 Recent information from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence suggested the most likely cause to be mass psychogenic illness. With the cause of Havana Syndrome still unknown, a review of reported cases and reports helps otolaryngologists understand Havana Syndrome so they diagnose it only when appropriate and do not miss other conditions that may present with similar symptoms and that might respond well to targeted treatment.


Subject(s)
Otolaryngologists , Humans , Syndrome , Cuba/epidemiology , Male , Travel-Related Illness
6.
Int Tinnitus J ; 27(2): 126-134, 2024 Mar 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38507625

ABSTRACT

COVID - 19 (Corona Virus Infectious Disease) situations reported in 2019, declared by World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic is still a prevailing global crisis. Common regulations were implemented such as lockdown, wearing face masks as mandatory, face shields, gloves and maintaining physical and social distance in public places to reduce the spread of the virus. These pandemic induced challenges affected social communication, technical and behavioral aspects in lifestyle of people with hearing impairment. Along with medical, paramedical services, the crisis had challenged hearing, speech language pathology and therapy services too. The study aimed to explore the challenges that adults with hearing impairment had experienced during the pandemic and to suggest some practical solutions that can be implemented by audiologists. It is a questionnaire-based study with purposive sampling method employed in data collection. The questionnaire was administered on adult hearing aid users (mean age: 18 years) recruited for participation from different parts/ clinical setups across India. The outcome of the questionnaire did support the assumption that availing audiological services was difficult or impossible for most of the hearing aid users. Accessing batteries was reported to be the most frequent issue. Adequate level of hearing though hearing aid was important to them and clinical services could not be availed for long period of time due to travel related issues and closure of audiological services. Also, social isolation impacted on their quality of life and effective communication. As a possible solution most of the users chose tele services as a better solution.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hearing Aids , Hearing Loss , Adult , Humans , Adolescent , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics , Pilot Projects , Quality of Life , Travel , Communicable Disease Control , Travel-Related Illness , Hearing Loss/epidemiology , Hearing Loss/rehabilitation
7.
Arch Cardiol Mex ; 94(1): 65-70, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38507322

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. OBJETIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.


ANTECEDENTES: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.


Subject(s)
Acute Coronary Syndrome , Myocardial Infarction , Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Female , Acute Coronary Syndrome/therapy , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/etiology , Myocardial Infarction/etiology , Prospective Studies , Travel , Travel-Related Illness , Aircraft , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods , Angina Pectoris/etiology
9.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38397684

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 transmission models have conferred great value in informing public health understanding, planning, and response. However, the pandemic also demonstrated the infeasibility of basing public health decision-making on transmission models with pre-set assumptions. No matter how favourably evidenced when built, a model with fixed assumptions is challenged by numerous factors that are difficult to predict. Ongoing planning associated with rolling back and re-instituting measures, initiating surge planning, and issuing public health advisories can benefit from approaches that allow state estimates for transmission models to be continuously updated in light of unfolding time series. A model being continuously regrounded by empirical data in this way can provide a consistent, integrated depiction of the evolving underlying epidemiology and acute care demand, offer the ability to project forward such a depiction in a fashion suitable for triggering the deployment of acute care surge capacity or public health measures, and support quantitative evaluation of tradeoffs associated with prospective interventions in light of the latest estimates of the underlying epidemiology. We describe here the design, implementation, and multi-year daily use for public health and clinical support decision-making of a particle-filtered COVID-19 compartmental model, which served Canadian federal and provincial governments via regular reporting starting in June 2020. The use of the Bayesian sequential Monte Carlo algorithm of particle filtering allows the model to be regrounded daily and adapt to new trends within daily incoming data-including test volumes and positivity rates, endogenous and travel-related cases, hospital census and admissions flows, daily counts of dose-specific vaccinations administered, measured concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and mortality. Important model outputs include estimates (via sampling) of the count of undiagnosed infectives, the count of individuals at different stages of the natural history of frankly and pauci-symptomatic infection, the current force of infection, effective reproductive number, and current and cumulative infection prevalence. Following a brief description of the model design, we describe how the machine learning algorithm of particle filtering is used to continually reground estimates of the dynamic model state, support a probabilistic model projection of epidemiology and health system capacity utilization and service demand, and probabilistically evaluate tradeoffs between potential intervention scenarios. We further note aspects of model use in practice as an effective reporting tool in a manner that is parameterized by jurisdiction, including the support of a scripting pipeline that permits a fully automated reporting pipeline other than security-restricted new data retrieval, including automated model deployment, data validity checks, and automatic post-scenario scripting and reporting. As demonstrated by this multi-year deployment of the Bayesian machine learning algorithm of particle filtering to provide industrial-strength reporting to inform public health decision-making across Canada, such methods offer strong support for evidence-based public health decision-making informed by ever-current articulated transmission models whose probabilistic state and parameter estimates are continually regrounded by diverse data streams.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Bayes Theorem , Canada , COVID-19/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2 , Travel-Related Illness
10.
Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol ; 48(4): 102301, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38355006

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge, particularly in Alabama, where the incidence rates exceed national averages. This study investigated the factors influencing adherence to post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) colonoscopies, focusing on travel distance and socioeconomic status. This study aimed to provide evidence-based insights to improve patient care in CRC management. METHODS: This retrospective study in a tertiary care referral center analyzed 465 patients who underwent EMR. The data included demographics, clinical details, and travel-related variables. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and spatial analysis were used to assess the factors affecting adherence. RESULTS: Of 465 patients, 36.6 % had adequate follow-up, 21.8 % had inadequate follow-up, and 41.6 % were lost to follow-up. Noteworthy demographic variations were observed, with median ages differing across adherence groups. Traveled distances showcased compelling insights, indicating a median distance of 22.2 miles for adequate follow-up, 15.7 miles for inadequate follow-up, and 31.6 miles for the lost-to-follow-up group (p<0.001). Longer travel distances were associated with better adherence. Longer travel distances from the hospital were associated with significantly lower odds of inadequate follow-up: 10-25 miles OR:0.29, 25-85 miles OR:0.35, and >80 miles OR:0.24 compared to the first quartile (<10 miles). Socioeconomic factors, particularly educational attainment, significantly influenced the follow-up rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed suboptimal post-EMR follow-up rates and underscored the impact of travel distance and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions addressing distance-related barriers can enhance treatment adherence and ensure timely CRC surveillance after EMR. Further research is needed in diverse healthcare settings.


Subject(s)
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection , Travel , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Social Determinants of Health , Travel-Related Illness , Tertiary Care Centers
11.
J Neurol ; 271(5): 2615-2630, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38345630

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare central vestibular disorder characterised by a constant sensation of motion (rocking, swaying, bobbing), which typically arises after motion experiences (e.g. sea, air, and road travel), though can be triggered by non-motion events. The current standard of care is non-specific medications and interventions that only result in mild-to-moderate improvements. The vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) rehabilitation protocol, a specialised form of rehabilitation, has shown promising results in reducing symptoms amongst people with MdDS. Accumulating evidence suggests that it may be possible to augment the effects of VOR rehabilitation via non-invasive brain stimulation protocols, such as theta burst stimulation (TBS). METHODS: The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent TBS (iTBS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in enhancing the effectiveness of a subsequently delivered VOR rehabilitation protocol in people with MdDS. Participants were allocated randomly to receive either Sham (n = 10) or Active (n = 10) iTBS, followed by the VOR rehabilitation protocol. Subjective outcome measures (symptom ratings and mental health scores) were collected 1 week pre-treatment and for 16 weeks post-treatment. Posturography (objective outcome) was recorded each day of the treatment week. RESULTS: Significant improvements in subjective and objective outcomes were reported across both treatment groups over time, but no between-group differences were observed. DISCUSSION: These findings support the effectiveness of the VOR rehabilitation protocol in reducing MdDS symptoms. Further research into iTBS is required to elucidate whether the treatment has a role in the management of MdDS. TRN: ACTRN12619001519145 (Date registered: 04 November 2019).


Subject(s)
Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Humans , Male , Female , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Middle Aged , Adult , Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular/physiology , Combined Modality Therapy , Travel-Related Illness , Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology , Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Theta Rhythm/physiology
12.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 1575, 2024 01 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38238479

ABSTRACT

In Sweden, allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is available as either subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) injections or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets and is used to treat moderate-severe allergic rhinitis (AR). This study sought to determine treatment-related CO2 emissions and travel times in Swedish patients receiving either SCIT or SLIT-tablets. A list of specialized Swedish AR clinics that administer AIT was determined, and respective co-ordinates retrieved. Swedish municipality population data were obtained from a national database. The mean distance from each Swedish municipality to the nearest AR clinic was calculated, adjusted using a detour index, and weighted by estimated patient population size. Transport modality data were obtained from a Swedish urban transport study and CO2 emissions were obtained from Government sources. The mean number of annual SLIT-tablets and SCIT doses required were calculated based on product labels and clinical expert input. The annual number of healthcare professional interactions were layered into the model to estimate changes in mean patient travel time, distance, and travel-related CO2 emissions associated with using SCIT versus SLIT-tablets. Mean annual travel-related CO2 emissions were 410 tonnes (to two significant figures [s.f.]; standard deviation [SD] 90) with SLIT-tablets, versus 1700 tonnes (SD 380) for SCIT, resulting in mean annual savings of approximately 1300 tonnes (SD 290) of CO2 if all AIT patients were to receive SLIT-tablets instead of SCIT, over 380 times greater than 2021 average Swedish CO2 emissions per capita. Approximate mean annual travel times for patients taking SLIT-tablets were 66,500 h (three s.f.; SD 14,400), and 278,000 h (SD 60,200) for SCIT, resulting in mean annual savings of 211,000 h (SD 45,800) if all AIT patients were to receive SLIT-tablets instead of SCIT. Compared with SCIT injections, SLIT-tablets led to substantial reductions in treatment-related CO2 emissions and travel times for Swedish patients.


Subject(s)
Rhinitis, Allergic , Sublingual Immunotherapy , Humans , Sweden , Carbon Dioxide , Desensitization, Immunologic/methods , Travel , Travel-Related Illness , Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy , Tablets
14.
J Neuromuscul Dis ; 11(2): 459-472, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38277300

ABSTRACT

Background: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to permanent disability. There are no curative treatments, however, there are several upcoming clinical trials testing new therapies in FSHD. Objective: This study aimed to explore the disease burden and patient preferences of people with FSHD to ensure that clinical trials can be designed to include outcome measures that are relevant and important to patients. Methods: A survey was developed with a steering committee clinicians and physiotherapists with relevant experience in the disease, patient representatives, a registry expert and industry consultants. Themes of the survey included; participant demographics, disease progression and impact on function, factors encouraging or discouraging clinical trial participation, and positive outcomes of a clinical trial. Results: 1147 participants responded to the online survey, representing 26 countries across Europe and a range of disease severities. The study highlighted the key symptoms causing concern for FSHD patients - muscle weakness and mobility issues - reflecting what participants want targeted for future therapies. The need for clear information and communication throughout clinical trials was emphasised. Factors most encouraging trial participation included access to new investigational therapies, access to trial results and benefits for the FSHD community. Factors most discouraging trial participation included travel related issues and fear of side effects. Conclusions: The results from this study identify the patient reported burden of FSHD and should provide researchers and industry with areas of therapeutic research that would be meaningful to patients, as well as supporting the development of patient centric outcome measures in clinical trials.


Subject(s)
Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral , Humans , Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral/therapy , Travel , Travel-Related Illness , Cost of Illness , Muscle Weakness , Patient Reported Outcome Measures
15.
J Travel Med ; 31(2)2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38195993

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya is an important travel-related disease because of its rapid geographical expansion and potential for prolonged morbidity. Improved understanding of the epidemiology of travel-related chikungunya infections may influence prevention strategies including education and vaccination. METHODS: We analysed data from travellers with confirmed or probable chikungunya reported to GeoSentinel sites from 2005 to 2020. Confirmed chikungunya was defined as a compatible clinical history plus either virus isolation, positive nucleic acid test or seroconversion/rising titre in paired sera. Probable chikungunya was defined as a compatible clinical history with a single positive serology result. RESULTS: 1202 travellers (896 confirmed and 306 probable) with chikungunya were included. The median age was 43 years (range 0-91; interquartile range [IQR]: 31-55); 707 (58.8%) travellers were female. Most infections were acquired in the Caribbean (28.8%), Southeast Asia (22.8%), South Central Asia (14.2%) and South America (14.2%). The highest numbers of chikungunya cases reported to GeoSentinel were in 2014 (28.3%), 2015 (14.3%) and 2019 (11.9%). The most frequent reasons for travel were tourism (n = 592; 49.3%) and visiting friends or relatives (n = 334; 27.7%). The median time to presentation to a GeoSentinel site was 23 days (IQR: 7-52) after symptom onset. In travellers with confirmed chikungunya and no other reported illnesses, the most frequently reported symptoms included musculoskeletal symptoms (98.8%), fever/chills/sweats (68.7%) and dermatologic symptoms (35.5%). Among 917 travellers with information available, 296 (32.3%) had a pretravel consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Chikungunya was acquired by international travellers in almost 100 destinations globally. Vector precautions and vaccination where recommended should be integrated into pretravel visits for travellers going to areas with chikungunya or areas with the potential for transmission. Continued surveillance of travel-related chikungunya may help public health officials and clinicians limit the transmission of this potentially debilitating disease by defining regions where protective measures (e.g. pretravel vaccination) should be strongly considered.


Subject(s)
Chikungunya Fever , Travel-Related Illness , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Asia/epidemiology , Chikungunya Fever/diagnosis , Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology , South America
16.
Sex Health ; 212024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38219736

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: International travel can increase the risk of exposure to infectious diseases including sexually transmissible infections (STI). Pre-travel medical consultation provides an opportunity for travel-related health risk assessments and advice. This study explored how travel medicine clinicians integrate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services into clinical practice. METHODS: A convenience sample of travel medicine clinicians completed a cross-sectional survey online or via hard-copy disseminated at an annual national Australian travel medicine conference. RESULTS: Of the 67 respondents, most (n , 51; 76.1%) had a postgraduate qualification relevant to travel medicine and 55.2% (n , 37) had worked in travel medicine for over 10years. Only 22.4% (n , 15) reported conducting a SRH history/STI risk assessment for all travel patients. STI testing pre-departure was conducted on patient request (48, 71.6%), if symptomatic (32, 47.8%) or based on risk history (28, 41.8%). SRH information pre-departure was most frequently provided if prompted by patient questions (n , 42; 62.7%), or based on the patient's history (n , 37; 55.2%). Over half the sample (n , 40; 59.7%) expressed interest in further training in SRH. CONCLUSION: Providing and engaging with additional training may assist travel medicine clinicians to take a more proactive approach to SRH consultations and STI testing. Additional research is needed to explore models of care that will allow comprehensive SRH and STI services to be integrated into standard pre- and post-travel care.


Subject(s)
Reproductive Health , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Travel Medicine , Travel , Australia , Travel-Related Illness , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control
17.
Audiol Neurootol ; 29(2): 107-113, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37820609

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a rare and poorly understood clinical entity defined as a persistent sensation of rocking and swaying that can severely affect the quality of life. To date, the treatment options are very limited. Even though vestibular rehabilitation (VR) efficacy following peripheral vestibular lesion is well-documented, little is known about its influence on MdDS. The objective of the study was to explore the influence of traditional VR program on postural control in a patient diagnosed with MdDS. METHODS: We assessed 3 different participants: 1 healthy control; 1 participant with identified peripheral vestibular impairment (VI); 1 participant diagnosed with MdDS. Postural control was assessed using a force plate (AMTI, Accusway). Participants were assessed following the modified Clinical Test Sensory Integration Balance protocol (mCTSIB, eyes open on firm surface/eyes closed on firm surface/eyes open on foam/eyes closed on foam). The raw data were exported and analyzed in a custom-made Matlab script (Matlab R2020a). We retrieved the center of pressure velocity in both anterior-posterior and mediolateral directions and performed an analysis of the frequency content using Daubechies wavelet of order 4 with 6 levels of decomposition. Protocol VI and MdDS patients performed a 4-week VR program. Postural control, using a force plate, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) were assessed before and after the VR program. Healthy control was assessed twice separated by 1 week without any specific intervention. RESULTS: VI participant showed clear improvement on DHI and sway velocity on condition eyes closed with foam. Accordingly, a reduction of energy content within frequency bands (0.39-0.78 Hz and 0.78-1.56 Hz) was observed post-rehabilitation for VI participant in both conditions with foam. Interestingly, MdDS participant demonstrated a reduction in sway velocity in most of the conditions but the frequency content was not modified by VR and was comparable to healthy control. Accordingly, the DHI of the MdDS participant failed to demonstrate any difference following VR. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study question the use of VR as an efficient treatment option for MdDS. Future studies must recruit a larger sample size and focus on the relationship between illusion of movement and postural characteristics such as sway velocity.


Subject(s)
Quality of Life , Travel-Related Illness , Humans , Dizziness , Vertigo , Postural Balance
18.
Health Serv Res ; 59(1): e14226, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37700552

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnant Texans' decisions about where to obtain out-of-state abortion care following the September 2021 implementation of Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which prohibited abortions after detectable embryonic cardiac activity. DATA SOURCE: In-depth telephone interviews with Texas residents ≥15 years of age who obtained out-of-state abortion care after SB8's implementation. STUDY DESIGN: This qualitative study explored participants' experiences identifying and contacting abortion facilities and their concerns and considerations about traveling out of state. We used inductive and deductive codes in our thematic analysis describing people's decisions about where to obtain care and how they evaluated available options. DATA COLLECTION: Texas residents self-referred to the study from flyers we provided to abortion facilities in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. We also enrolled participants from a concurrent online survey of Texans seeking abortion care. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Participants (n = 65) frequently obtained referral lists for out-of-state locations from health-care providers, and a few received referrals to specific facilities; however, referrals rarely included the information people needed to decide where to obtain care. More than half of the participants prioritized getting the soonest appointment and often contacted multiple locations and traveled further to do so; others who could not travel further typically waited longer for an appointment. Although the participants rarely cited state abortion restrictions or cost of care as their main reason for choosing a location, they often made sacrifices to lessen the logistical and economic hardships that state restrictions and out-of-state travel costs created. Informative abortion facility websites and compassionate scheduling staff solidified some participants' facility choice. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant Texans made difficult trade-offs and experienced travel-related burdens to obtain out-of-state abortion care. As abortion bans prohibit more people from obtaining in-state care, efforts to strengthen patient navigation are needed to reduce care-seeking burdens as this will support people's reproductive autonomy.


Subject(s)
Abortion, Induced , Travel , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Texas , Health Services Accessibility , Travel-Related Illness , Decision Making
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