Travel Health Needs of Children in U.S. Military Families Stationed Abroad

Military-connected children living abroad have differing preventive health service needs from their counterparts in the United States. With these children living in countries with and without permanent military bases, there is a clear need for further investigation with attention to both uptake of preventive measures and incidence of disease. While risk assessments for any particular travel are unique and very much itinerary- and activity-specific, the risk stratification and terminology applied are both practical and consistent with the guidelines and resources available to clinicians. While for some children, risk may be overestimated because of their specific location within a country, there is also likely underestimation of risk assumed with regional travel to other countries with increased risk profiles. Understanding the utilization of preventive services and associated health outcomes in this population is crucial for their well-being.