A Survey of the Health Experiences of International Business Travelers

Abstract

Atistract Occupational health professionals need to know more about the health, worklife, and family life of international business travelers (IBTs). This descriptive correlational study, in two parts, examines the physiological and psychosocial experiences associated with business travel for a sample of 140 employees from western Canada's oil and gas industry. Results for Part One show that 76% of mTs report travel related health problems, 74% have jet lag, 45% have travelers' diarrhea and gastrointestinal complaints, 12% to 16% have climate adaptation problems, and 2 % report accidents and minor injuries. High risk behaviors include not carrying a first aid travel kit (54%); drinking more alcohol than ordinarily (21%); and neglecting food, water, and antimalarial precautions (6% to 14%). Other risk factors include age, length of stay, destination, pre-travel medical examinations, pre-travel advice, and eating and accommoda

Sleep and circadian contributions to adolescent alcohol use disorder

“…After plane travel to other time zones, re-entrainment can require multiple days and proceeds at different rates in various internal processes. Circadian misalignment compromises function across physiological systems, and is likely responsible for the health ills ranging from gastrointestinal distress and affective disturbance associated with jet lag, to diabetes and cancer associated with long-term shift work (Davis & Mirick, 2006; Drake, Roehrs, Richardson, Walsh, & Roth, 2004; Monk & Buysse, 2013; Rogers & Reilly, 2002). …”

Visual Impairment and Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

“…11-13 In the long term, the regular Impairment of metabolism Induced over years of shiftwork may lead to chronically elevated clrculating levels of Insulin and fat, and may increase the risk of developing Insulin resistance, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. 14 Gastrointestinal discomfort is also a common complaint In jet lag, 15 most likely due to the temporal misalignment of circadian oscillators In peripheral tissues (eg, the liver, kidney, esophagus, and stomach) that have recently been Identified (for review see ref 16).…”

How to Travel the World Without Jet Lag

“…Jet travel across multiple time zones produces jet lag, which includes difficulty initiating or maintaining nighttime sleep, daytime sleepiness, decreased alertness, loss of concentration, impaired performance, fatigue, irritability, disorientation, depressed mood and gastrointestinal disturbance [5–8]. Jet lag is not just the bane of tourists; it can impair the judgment of businesspeople and politicians, compromise the performance of athletes [5, 6], and poses a threat to public safety as it affects diplomats and the military [9, 10].…”