Travel behaviour of patients with haemophilia

Background:
We aimed to identify socio-demographic, or illness-specific variables, influencing travel behaviour of haemophilic patients.

Methods:
A standardised questionnaire was sent to more than 2000 members of two German Haemophilia associations. Multivariable logistic regression with the outcomes frequent (at least two journeys per year) and long-haul travel (outside of Europe) was applied separately on adult patients and patients younger than 18 years.

Results:
Among 345 adults, high education level, living in a partnership or travelling alone was significantly associated with frequent travel with odds ratios (ORs)/95%-confidence intervals (95%-CI) of 3.10/1.72-5.80, 1.99/1.10-3.62 and 1.73/1.01-3.62, respectively. High education level and self-application of clotting factors were significant variables for long-haul travel (OR/95%-CI: 2.45/1.43-4.26 and 3.25/1.33-8.52, respectively). Among 144 non-adults, a younger age or performing permanent prophylactic treatment was significantly associated with a lower likelihood for long-haul travel (OR/95%-CI: 0.51/0.22-0.95 and 0.10/0.01-0.65, respectively). Longer awareness of the disease increased the likelihood for long-haul travel (OR/95%-CI: 1.06/1.01-1.14).

Conclusions:
High education level and self-application of clotting factors influence travel intensity of adult patients most strikingly. Parents of very young patients on permanent prophylactic treatment might need special education to facilitate holiday travel for these families.