Travel Practices and Associated Risks in Adult Thoracic Transplant Recipients: A Monocentric Survey

Area of Science:

• Transplant medicine
• Travel medicine
• Public health

Background:

• Limited understanding of travel habits among thoracic organ transplant recipients.
• Potential for travel-related health issues (morbidity) in this population is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the travel practices of thoracic organ transplant recipients.
• To identify factors associated with travel and associated health risks.
• To assess pre-travel preparation and health outcomes during travel.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to thoracic organ transplant recipients.
• Data collected included demographics, risk perception, vaccination knowledge, travel history, pre-travel advice, health issues, and future travel intentions.
• Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to compare travelers and non-travelers.

Main Results:

• 47% of recipients traveled outside metropolitan France; 22% traveled outside Europe.
• 10% of international travelers experienced health issues, with one hospitalization.
• Lung transplant recipients and those with higher education were more likely to travel outside Europe.
• Longer post-transplant duration was associated with all types of travel.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of thoracic organ transplant recipients engage in international travel.
• Suboptimal pre-travel preparation was noted, highlighting a need for better guidance.
• Enhanced collaboration between transplant physicians and travel medicine specialists could improve patient safety during travel.