Health and Safety Problems and Lack of Information among International Visitors Backpacking Through North Queensland

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Abstract
International visitors to tropical Australia may be exposed to health and safety problems. Because they are younger, stay longer and participate in more activities, backpackers have a greater exposure to such problems than other visitors. The study's aim was to determine how many backpackers experience problems and lack health and safety information. Four hundred and thirty-one international visitors staying in a random sample of youth hostels and backpacker accommodation in Townsville were surveyed over the summer. Sixty two percent experienced a health and safety problem, commonly, insect bites, sunburn, headaches, lacerations, coral cuts, ear infections and diarrhea. Seventeen percent resolved only with professional help. Only 54% of backpackers had been offered health and safety information prior to departure, mainly vaccination advice. The proportion of backpackers offered health and safety information about tropical Australia, and the breadth of that information, needs to be increased.