@article { author = {Flaherty, Gerard and Asyraf Maarof, Muhammad and Fry, Graham}, title = {An Analysis of the Preventive Behavior and Attitudes of International Travelers from South East Asia; the Kuala Lumpur Airport Survey}, journal = {International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {5-9}, year = {2015}, publisher = {International Travel Medicine Center of Iran}, issn = {2322-1100}, eissn = {2476-5759}, doi = {10.20286/ijtmgh-03011}, abstract = {Introduction: There has been significant growth in international tourism from South-East Asia. Travel medicine services are still quite limited in this region. Few data exists on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of travelers from South-East Asia regarding the prevention of travel-related health risks. The present study aimed to characterize the travel trends and risk reduction strategies of international travelers departing from a major Malaysian airport. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among international travelers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. A questionnaire recorded data on the demographic profile, travel patterns, travel health protective measures, sources of pre-travel health advice, personal perception of travel-related risk, and barriers to seeking health advice, travel vaccinations and malaria chemoprophylaxis. Results: 36.8% of respondents had sought pre-travel health advice, mostly (64.7%) from their doctor. 23.6% of the travelers had received travel vaccinations. 40% of travelers were uninsured and over 50% did not know how to access medical care overseas. The survey revealed deficiencies in the risk perception of travelers regarding endemic infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and rabies. A minority of the travelers reported an intention to avoid unsafe food and water, inform themselves of local disease outbreaks, pack a first-aid kit, and protect themselves from animal and mosquito bites. Conclusions: This study highlights areas of concern in relation to the knowledge and behavior of the travelers surveyed and points to the need for raising public awareness in South-East Asia of the risks associated with international travel and the most efficient means of mitigating those risks. }, keywords = {Travel Health,Vaccinations,Risk Assessment,Tropical Infection,Chemoprophylaxis,Airport Survey}, url = {https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_33159.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_33159_aaa5cf6adc0e90349775643d3dc34522.pdf} }