| Summary: | 碩士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 公共衛生學研究所 === 88 === Abstract
Use retrospective cohort method to study the health problems of Taiwanese after travel to other Asian countries.
During November 1999,travelers （≧15 years of age）were and randomly sampled while entering Kaohsiung International Airport from other Asian countries. The travelers were asked to record personal and travel details including age, gender, destination, health status, mode and duration of travel. The subjects were asked to report any illnesses, accidents and or insect bites. The participants were furthermore asked questions regarding their knowledge of and attitude toward health care while abroad. The questionnaire was performed within 4 weeks after returning from travel by a telephone interview.
Among 1,441 passengers ,there are45﹪（649）people completed the questionnaires. Out from 649 people, The following are some important statistic data:health problems 8.5% (55/649);bitten by the insects 3.4%（22/649）,coughing or sore throats 3.2%（21/649）,sunburn 0.9%（6/649）,diarrhea 0.8%（5/649），fever 0.6%（4/649）,headaches or muscle and joint pain 0.6%（4/649）.
Those who traveled to the Philippines have higher risk rate of health problems than travel to other Asia countries ,RR（95%C.I.）2.17（1.16-4.09）.
The tourist who have health problems are significantly more than other modes, RR（95%C.I.）1.77(1.04~3.02).The incidence of eating or drinking uncooked food or water causing diarrhea are significantly higher than those who do not eat or drink uncooked food or water (Fisher’s exact test, p<0.05).
Insect bits, coughing or sore throats are the chief problems when we travel in Asia countries. Destination, mode and behavior of health are the risk of factor. As this initial study indicates, a need for the health education of tourists to certain Asian countries the Philippines, in particular--is apparent. Basic health education for travelers for example, the avoidance of eating uncooked food or drinking unpurified water should be provided through advertising. Travel agents play an important role travel-related health education in Asia .The relationship between travel industry and the medical profession should be closer than at present. We believe the health problem incidence rate for travelers will decline if travel-related health education is effectively promoted with travel industry.
Key word: travel, health, knowledge, attitude, behavior
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