INTRODUCTION: There is a perception that the number of pediatric travelers is increasing, mainly due to the so-called visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) group. Both the demographic and trips characteristics in this group may lead to an increased risk and a greater complexity in vaccinations and other preventive recommendations.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of different groups of pediatric travelers. To describe the demographic and travel characteristics within the pediatric population, and to analyze whether the VFRs differ from non-VFRs with regards to the factors that may contribute to a greater risk.METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional descriptive study of the characteristics of pediatric travelers treated in the International Pre-travel Consultation Unit of the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, from July 2002 to January 2009.RESULTS: Of the 692 children analyzed, with a mean age of 8 years (SD 5.4), an increase in the overall number of travelers was identified, along with an initial increase in the number of VFR children in the early years of the study, although later on, the numbers of this group stabilized. The mean age of the VFR travelers was also found to be lower. A lack of planning prior to the start of the travel was also noted in the VFRs group, as well as longer trip durations. A routine vaccine was administered to 29.2% of children, and malaria prophylaxis was recommended for 52% of travelers.CONCLUSION: Despite the progressive increase in international travel and the initial increase in VFR travelers, the percentage of this group has remained stable in recent years. However, the perception of a low risk among the immigrant population suggests the need to encourage an adequate pre-travel consultation within this group.
Child Child, Preschool