[Understanding and awareness of malaria among 103 French individuals traveling to endemic areas, having consulted the Bordeaux university hospital travel clinic, France].

OBJECTIVE

Malaria is increasing worldwide due to the emergence and spread of drug resistant strains. As globalization in business and commerce and appetites for more adventurous travel increase, more people from non-endemic countries are being exposed to malaria. The management of travelers before departure or returning from visiting endemic countries with malaria is a challenge, both for exposed individuals and for physicians, considering the weak knowledge of the disease.

METHODS

A survey was conducted among French individuals traveling to endemic areas to evaluate their knowledge and perception of malaria. An observational study using guided questionnaires was made on 103 travelers recruited in the Bordeaux University Hospital travel clinic, France.

RESULTS

The findings of the survey were consistent with previously reported data concerning the knowledge of signs and symptoms of malaria, as well as with the global level of knowledge on the disease, and with the number of travelers not understanding the mode of infection appropriately. Irrelevant data was reported concerning the typical pattern of the disease, the objectives of malaria management for travelers, and the attention given to the most susceptible groups: children, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised individuals.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show a link between gender and adhesion to prophylactic measures, and an inverse gradient in the subgroup of frequent overseas travelers, between knowledge and risk perception of illness.