Methodologies for measuring travelers' risk perception of infectious diseases: A systematic review

Abstract

Numerous studies in the past have stressed the importance of travelers' psychology and perception in the implementation of preventive measures. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the methodologies used in studies reporting on travelers' risk perception of infectious diseases. A systematic search for relevant literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. There were 39 studies identified. In 35 of 39 studies, the methodology used was that of a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey based on questionnaires. One study used a combination of questionnaires and a visual psychometric measuring instrument called the 'pictorial representation of illness and self-measurement" or PRISM. One study used a self-representation model (SRM) method. Two studies measured psychosocial factors. Valuable information was obtained from KAP surveys showing an overall lack of knowledge among travelers about the most frequent travel-associated infections and associated preventive measures. This methodological approach however, is mainly descriptive, addressing knowledge, attitudes, and practices separately and lacking an examination of the interrelationships between these three components. Another limitation of the KAP method is underestimating psychosocial variables that have proved influential in health related behaviors, including perceived benefits and costs of preventive measures, perceived social pressure, perceived personal control, unrealistic optimism and risk propensity. Future risk perception studies in travel medicine should consider psychosocial variables with inferential and multivariate statistical analyses. The use of implicit measurements of attitudes could also provide new insights in the field of travelers' risk perception of travel-associated infectious diseases.

Tour leaders with detailed knowledge of travel-related diseases play a key role in disease prevention

“…However, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have focused on tour leaders’ knowledge of and attitude toward travel-related diseases. [ 19 ]…”

Pemetaan Tempat Perkembangbiakan Potensial Anopheles sp. di Tempat Wisata Pangandaran

“…Wisatawan lokal maupun mancanegara yang mengunjungi daerah tujuan wisata di Kabupaten Pangandaran berpotensi besar tertular malaria ataupun menularkan malaria. 18,19,20 20 An. Vagus menurut Kazwaini merupakan vektor malaria juga.…”

Vaccines for travel and vaccines for adults: moving targets!

“…Исследования восприятия риска: Исследования, в которых изучалось восприятие ри ска заражения инфекционными болезнями среди путеше ственников, в основном носили описательный характер, и в них уровень знаний, личные взгляды и практический опыт рассматривались отдельно, без попытки про следить связи между этими тремя компонентами [13]. Кроме того, были недооценены психосоциальные фак торы, которые могут оказывать влияние на поведение и принятие решений в вопросах, связанных со здоро вьем, например, понимание необходимости расходов на профилактические мероприятия, понимание социальных норм и устоев, понимание личной ответственности, нео правданный оптимизм и склонность к риску.…”