Abstract
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/10 3 pilgrims-day (95% CI: 18.9–2.4/10 3). 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.
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