Short Communication
Year: 2016 | Month: November | Volume: 6 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 233-238
Pattern, Purpose and Profile of Travelers Attending Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre in Mumbai
Dan Amitabha1, Singh S K2, Khandare K P1, M Jalaluddeen1, Pasi A R1
1Airport Health Organisation, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Mumbai
2International Health Division, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi
Corresponding Author: Pasi A R
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. India is free from Yellow Fever. Government of India has provided facility for vaccination against Yellow Fever for those who are travelling to yellow fever endemic countries.
Objective: Present study was conducted to understand the travel purpose, pattern and socio-demographic profile of persons coming for Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Materials & Methods: Study was conducted in Yellow Fever Vaccination (YFV) centre of APHO Mumbai. A total of 150 persons attending YFV centre of APHO Mumbai were enrolled for the study by using systematic random sampling. Study was conducted with permission of appropriate authorities and all necessary precautions were taken to protect the confidentiality and rights of study participants.
Results: More than 80% of the study participants were travelling to Africa while 10 (6.7%) to South America, 5 (3.3%) were seafarer and 14 (9.3%) had other destinations. Majority, 58 (38.7%) were travelling for tourism purpose, 54 (36%) for work, 20 (13.3%) for business, 7 (4.7%) for attending family functions, 6 (4.0%) for higher studies and 5 (3.3%) were seafarers. Average age of travellers was 39 years (Mean ± SD; 39 ± 13 years) ranging from 19 to 72 years. Out of 150 study participants 108 (72%) were from Mumbai, 100 (66.7%) were educated up to graduation, more than 50% were skilled workers and median monthly income was Rs 30000 only.
Conclusion: International travellers are at more risk of acquiring and / or transmitting infectious diseases. Major Airports & Ports having international departures and arrivals should be strengthened enough to practice Travel Medicine through Travel Health Clinics.
Key words: Travel Medicine, Travel Health Clinics, Yellow Fever Vaccination, APHO Mumbai, Points of Entry.