Travellers Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases: Qatar-Doha International Airport Study

Background: Infectious diseases remain endemic in many of the under developed and developing countries worldwide. Travellers to these countries are at risk of contracting these diseases. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the prevention of travel related infectious diseases among travellers travelling to developing countries from Qatar. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using Qatar International Airport as a cluster sample during June to August 2007. Qatar residents travelling to developing countries were eligible for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed that included common characteristics like socio-demographics, travel information, preparation and also on the travellers' perception of risk of infectious diseases at their destination, and knowledge attitude and practice toward pre-travel health consultation. Results: A total of 550 passengers were approached and 401 travellers agreed to participate and the response rate was 74.5%. Only 111 (27.7%) of respondents sought general information about their destination before their trip. Similarly, less than one fifth, 76 (19%) of travellers sought travel health advice or a health consultation. Among the 325 travellers who did not seek pre-travel health advice, 156 (48%) did not know they should, 69(21%) perceived that they were not at risk, 63(19.4%) already knew what to do, and 33 (10.2%) said that they were too busy. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a very low rate of travellers seeking pre-travel health advice. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of business travellers with regard to infectious diseases prevention need to be improved. Involving all stakeholders, such as education of primary care physicians, media participation and partnerships between travel agencies and medical clinics, are potential means of improving public perception of travel medicine in Qatar.