Abstract

GIMENEZ DURAN, Jaume et al. Incidence and risk factors for acute gastroenteritis among pilgrims following the French way to Santiago de Compostela (Spain) in summer 2008. Gac Sanit [online]. 2010, vol.24, n.6, pp.487-490. ISSN 0213-9111.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of acute gastroenteritis in pilgrims on St. James´ Way, as well as associated risk factors and microbiological characteristics. Methods: Two studies were designed simultaneously: a cross-sectional study through self-completed questionnaires among pilgrims reaching Santiago, and a case-control study of pilgrims traveling along the Way. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. Results: In the cross-sectional study, the incidence rate was 23.5 episodes of acute gastroenteritis/10³ pilgrims-day (95% CI: 18.9-2.4/10³). In the case-control study, the major risk factors were age <20 years (OR=4.72; 95% CI: 2.16-10.28), traveling in groups (three or more) (OR=1.49; 95% CI: 0.98-2.28), and drinking unbottled water (OR=2.09; 95% CI: 0.91-4.82). The most frequent etiologic agent was norovirus (56%). Conclusions: Age less than 20 years, traveling in groups and drinking unbottled water were important risk factors for acute gastroenteritis.

Keywords : Gastroenteritis; Cross-sectional study; Case-control study; Disease outbreaks; Traveling; Santiago de Compostela.

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