Travel patterns and advice‐seeking behaviour of pregnant women in the Australian context: A multicentre cross‐sectional analysis. (5th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Sandy H.S.; Krishnaswamy, Sushena; Cole, Stephen; Giles, Michelle L.
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 62:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 688
• Page End: 694
• Publication Date: 2022-04-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13526
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8666

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Travel poses risks to pregnant women, but little data exist describing the travel habits of women during pregnancy or pre‐travel recommendations given. Aims: To examine travel patterns of pregnant women including frequency of pre‐travel consultation, and advice recalled. Materials and Methods: Cross‐sectional analysis of post‐partum women admitted to five Victorian maternity hospitals between 21 May 2019 and 22 April 2020 in Australia. Results: Forty‐four percent (182/410) of women travelled during pregnancy, 32.9% (135/410) interstate and 19.5% (80/410) internationally. Fifty‐five percent travelled for leisure (118/215) and 27% to visit friends/relatives (58/215). Overall, 68.1% (124/182) sought pre‐travel advice, primarily from an obstetrician (60.5%, 75/124) or general practitioner (29.8%, 37/124). Only one woman attended a travel clinic. The most common reason for not seeking pre‐travel advice was the belief that travel posed no risk (63.4%, 45/71). Pre‐travel advice was sought least by those visiting friends/relatives (61.4%, 35/57). Women recalled recommendations regarding travel restrictions by gestational age and venous thromboembolism precautions, but not infectious disease prevention for those to whom it was relevant. Of international travellers, 48.8% (39/80) sought advice from the internet, one‐third (13/39) as an alternative to seeing a healthcare provider. Conclusions: Travel is common during pregnancy and women seek pre‐travel advice from the healthcare provider they see most often during pregnancy. All pregnant women should be provided with consistent, evidence‐based pre‐travel advice regardless of whom they consult. Further work is needed to educate and provide resources to maternity care providers to optimise pre‐travel counselling. Keywords: travelpregnancycounsellingcommunicable diseasespublic health