Sources for Altitude Illness Information for Trekkers in the Himalayas

Educational materials are important tools in the prevention of altitude illness among individuals traveling to high altitude destinations. Travelers obtain information about altitude illness from many different educational resources. Our objective was to determine which educational resources for altitude illness prevention were used by trekkers on the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit. We also sought to compare which resources were used by individuals from different geographic areas.

A survey was administered to trekkers attending an altitude illness information lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic. Trekkers provided their basic demographic information and educational resources they used while preparing for the trek. Comparisons were made between trekkers based on the resources they used, as well as their age and country of origin.

Of 1075 surveys administered, 906 were completed. Internet sources were most commonly used by trekkers (49%), followed by friends or family (22%), and healthcare providers (18%). The age of participants using Internet sources was 36±12 y (mean±SD), lower than those who did not use Internet sources (39±14 y, P<0.01). Participants came from 8 geographic areas; Europe (55%), North America (24%), and Oceania (11%) made up the vast majority. Compared to the overall cohort, participants from Oceania demonstrated more Internet reliance at 65% (χ²(1, n=102)=9.7, P<0.01).

In this group of trekkers in the Himalayas, the Internet was the most common source of information on altitude illness prevention and management. Trekkers using Internet sources were slightly younger than non-Internet users.