Int Marit Health. 2026;77(1):50-54. doi: 10.5603/imh.111379.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Poland, a Central European country with the population of 37.5 million and a steadily improving economic situation, has experienced a continuous increase in the number of international travels, exceeding 15 million annually. The aim of this article was to profile Polish travellers seeking pre-departure advice between 2024 and 2025 at the largest diagnostic and treatment center for tropical and travel medicine in Poland.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the analysis of medical records of patients seeking pre-travel consultations at the University Centre of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Poland. The dataset included 2,197 visits recorded in 2024 and 3,073 visits in 2025. The analysis focused on the following variables: age, sex, and travel-related characteristics, including purpose of travel, duration of stay, month of departure, and planned destinations by continent and country. The scope of preventive measures recommended or administered during consultations, including immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis, was also evaluated. Additionally, the health status of patients presenting to the travel medicine centre was assessed.
RESULTS: Patients seeking pre-travel advice were predominantly aged 18-35 years (49.5%) in 2024 vs. 46-65 years (50.5%) in 2025. Most of the examined patients travelled for tourism purposes, typically for up to 4 weeks, with departures most frequently planned for November, January, and February. The majority of travellers intended to visit Asia and Africa, most commonly Thailand (22.3% in 2024, 21.0% in 2025), Vietnam, Kenya, Indonesia, Tanzania, and India. The most frequently administered immunoprophylaxis included vaccinations against typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis/poliomyelitis and rabies. Other commonly recommended preventive measures included insect repellents, sunscreen, antidiarrheal medications, antimalarial drugs, and antithrombotic agents. Analysis of patient interviews showed that 41.4% of travellers admitted at the UCMTM in 2024 had underlying medical conditions. In contrast, among patients presenting for pre-travel consultations in 2025, as many as 62.0% reported various health problems. The most commonly reported medical conditions included allergies, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases.
CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of Polish travellers visit destinations associated with an increased risk of infectious diseases. At the same time, due to the ageing of the Polish population, individuals aged 46-65 travel more frequently, including patients with chronic diseases or disorders. Providing professional medical advice during pre-travel consultations plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of travel-related health problems and improving overall travel safety.
PMID:41914195 | DOI:10.5603/imh.111379
