Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on (404) 498-1210.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments to Seleda Perryman , CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project: Travelers' Health Survey (OMB No. 0920-0519)—Reinstatement—National Center for Infectious Diseases. Approximately 58 million Americans travel abroad each year, and over a third travel to developing countries where the risk is greater for contracting infectious diseases. Many of these diseases are preventable through vaccines, drugs, and other preventive measures. According to surveillance data from the CDC, over 99% of malaria, 72% of typhoid, and 7% of hepatitis A cases in the U.S. are acquired abroad. Information on preventing illness during travel is available free or at little cost through public health departments, a CDC toll-free fax system, and the Internet. However, many travelers may be unaware of the health risks they face when traveling because they either lack access to pretravel health services or do not understand the measures necessary to avoid health risks. Evidence shows first- and second-generation U.S. immigrants that travel to their countries of origin to visit friends and relatives may be at a greater risk for contracting infectious diseases.

The objectives of this project are to determine (i) whether travelers seek pretravel health information, (ii) where they access this information, (iii) travelers' baseline knowledge of prevention measures for diseases commonly associated with travel, and (iv) whether specific groups of travelers (i.e. first- and second-generation immigrants) lack information on or access to pretravel health recommendations and services. To accomplish these objectives, in partnership with Delta Airlines, CDC proposes to conduct voluntary, self-administered, anonymous, in-flight surveys of U.S. citizens and residents traveling abroad to areas where malaria, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A are endemic.

This preliminary project will focus on first- and second-generation U.S. immigrants from India visiting friends and relatives in India, where all three diseases are endemic. A study period of 2 to 3 months is estimated. Data from this project will fulfill Healthy People 2010 objectives for travelers. In addition, it will enable CDC to develop appropriate educational interventions for high-risk travelers and to gain a better understanding of the role of travel in emerging infectious diseases. The survey tool will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Delta Airlines has agreed to cover all costs for printing the surveys. There is no cost to respondents.