Travelers’ Attitudes, Behaviors, and Practices on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Study for Non-European Destinations

Angela Bechini, Patrizio Zanobini, Beatrice Zanella, Leonardo Ancillotti, Andrea Moscadelli, Paolo Bonanni and Sara Boccalini
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Angela Bechini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Patrizio Zanobini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Beatrice Zanella: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Leonardo Ancillotti: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Andrea Moscadelli: Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Paolo Bonanni: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Sara Boccalini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-10

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to improve our comprehension of the attitudes, behaviors, and practices related to the health risks of travel to non-European destinations. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire disseminated through social networks. Results: About 79% of the respondents reported that they informed themselves or would inform themselves about travel-related health risks before departure. The most used sources of information were the Internet (52%) and health professionals (42%). Older age groups were positively associated with seeking pretravel health information (OR = 2.44, CI 95%: 1.18–5.01, in the age group 25–34 years and OR = 14.6, CI 95%: 1.77–119.50, in subjects over 65 years). Travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) were less likely to seek health information (OR = 0.49; CI 95%: 0.26–0.95). About 13.9% of participants had doubts about the practice of vaccination. Those who sought information on social media had a higher probability of refusing vaccination (OR = 3.24; CI 95%: 1.02–10.19). Conclusions: The data demonstrate that VFRs and the younger population are less informed about travel risks compared with other travelers. This study also revealed the importance that digital information assumes for travelers. Therefore, decisive efforts should be made to ensure that travelers can find correct and reliable information on the Web, particularly on social media.

Keywords: travel; traveler; behavior; attitude; travel risk; non-European countries; infectious diseases; vaccines; vaccination; online survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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