Factors affecting a decision on pre-travel vaccination in Japanese travelers

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K20077
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 80020:Tourism studies-related
• Research Institution: Gifu University
• Principal Investigator: Yamakawa Michiyo 岐阜大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 助教 (50734555)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 旅行者 / 予防接種 / リスク認知 / ワクチンヘジタンシー / 開発途上国

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study used epidemiologic methods to evaluate vaccination behaviors and related personal factors among Japanese travelers. Among those staying at a guesthouse in India, 61% had not been vaccinated before travel, with higher concerns in vaccine safety issues correlating with a lower likelihood of vaccination. Conversely, in a university program studying abroad to India, all participants had received vaccinations, presumably due to pre-travel health and safety information, including vaccination, provided through lectures and individual consultations as needed. The findings suggest that vaccination behaviors could be improved by providing information about infection risks and preventive measures from credible sources.

Free Research Field

渡航医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

旅行者を介した感染症の移動を防ぐには、旅行者が自ら感染対策を講じることが不可欠であるが、旅行者にとって予防接種の障壁となっている要因については十分に検討されていない。本研究では、インドを旅行する日本人における予防接種率の実態を把握し、接種率向上に関連する可能性のある要因についての知見を集積することができた。得られた知見をもとに、旅行者の予防接種行動を高めるための実効性のある支援策が今後、検討されていくことが期待される。