Niculescu Iulia 1, Hristea Adriana 1, 2, Arama Victoria 1, 2, Olaru Ioana 1, Jipa Raluca 1
1 Matei Bals National Institute for Infectious Diseases
2 Univesity of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest
Abstract
Jet lag (JL) develops as a consequence in the disruption of the circadian rhythm. This may occur when rapidly crossing more than 2 time zones. Travel medicine counseling can be very useful in minimizing JL effects by teaching the traveler how to plan the trip in advance, by using phototherapy and melatonin. Objective. The aim of our study was to investigate the knowledge and the impact of jet lag on Romanian international transmeridian travelers, as well as the risk factors related to the development of this syndrome. Methods. Retrospective study based on a questionnaire survey of international Romanian travelers who sought medical advice at the travel medicine department of the “Medicover” clinic in Bucharest between January 2010 and May 2012. Results. 110 international travelers, 66 men (M/F sex ratio 1,5/1), median age 30, with university education and a medium-to-high socioeconomic level; 64 (58%) traveled to Asia and 45 (70%) of them to India for professional purposes. The median travel duration was 30 days (range 4-365 days). Only 12 (10%) described themselves as cautious tourists, 67 (70%) practiced risky activities, 81 travelers (73%) stayed in a hotel. More than a half (63) experienced jet lag during their current trip, of whom 50 people traveled to the East (p < 0.001, 95%, OR=8.2, CI 3.4-19.4). The majority of this group (90) came for the first time to a pre-travel consultation and 60 of them were refferred by their employer, only 12 came by their own initiative. Only 5 subjects had taken melatonin before. Conclusion. Although JL develops almost universally factors like travels to the east, purpose of travel (involving physical and mental performance at destination- professional purpose, risky activities), young age, and frequent transmeridian flights are linked to a more severe form of this syndrome. An increase of awareness in the Romanian international traveler about travel medicine could prevent many health problems related to international travels.