Pia Svensson1, Mats Sundbeck2, Kristina Ingemarsdotter Persson3, Martin Stafström2, Per-Olof Östergren2, Louise Mannheimer4, Anette Agardh2. 1. Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. Electronic address: pia.svensson@med.lu.se. 2. Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. 3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Public Health Agency, Health and Sexuality, Stockholm, Sweden. 4. Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Public Health Agency, Health and Sexuality, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: International travel facilitates global spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Travellers could contribute to onward transmission of pathogens rarely encountered at home and export new strains to the destination. The aim was to systematically examine evidence regarding determinants of travel-related sexual risk-taking and identify knowledge gaps and areas for targeted interventions. METHOD: Articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2017 were screened in 6 databases and assessed for relevance against criteria. Data was extracted for factors associated with travel-related STI or proxies. Meta-analyses estimated pooled prevalence of casual sex and non-condom use. Adjusted odds ratios of predictors were pooled to generate a combined estimate. RESULT: Forty-nine articles qualified for inclusion. A heterogeneity test indicated variation across studies. The pooled prevalence of casual travel sex was 35% and prevalence of non-condom use 17%. Expectations of casual sex strongly predicted sex with a new partner when travelling abroad. Planning to have sex indicated condom use. CONCLUSION: The studies largely represented sub-groups of risk-taking populations from a European context, indicating substantial knowledge gaps. Studies investigating migrants travelling to visit friends and relatives, older travellers, and female travelers are needed. Post-travel harm reduction activities may serve as a focus for future interventions.
BACKGROUND: International travel facilitates global spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Travellers could contribute to onward transmission of pathogens rarely encountered at home and export new strains to the destination. The aim was to systematically examine evidence regarding determinants of travel-related sexual risk-taking and identify knowledge gaps and areas for targeted interventions. METHOD: Articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2017 were screened in 6 databases and assessed for relevance against criteria. Data was extracted for factors associated with travel-related STI or proxies. Meta-analyses estimated pooled prevalence of casual sex and non-condom use. Adjusted odds ratios of predictors were pooled to generate a combined estimate. RESULT: Forty-nine articles qualified for inclusion. A heterogeneity test indicated variation across studies. The pooled prevalence of casual travel sex was 35% and prevalence of non-condom use 17%. Expectations of casual sex strongly predicted sex with a new partner when travelling abroad. Planning to have sex indicated condom use. CONCLUSION: The studies largely represented sub-groups of risk-taking populations from a European context, indicating substantial knowledge gaps. Studies investigating migrants travelling to visit friends and relatives, older travellers, and female travelers are needed. Post-travel harm reduction activities may serve as a focus for future interventions.
Authors: Judith Harbertson; Kimberly De Vera; Paul T Scott; Yuanzhang Li; Richard A Shaffer; Nelson L Michael; Braden R Hale Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-06-22 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Ei T Aung; Eric Pf Chow; Christopher K Fairley; Jane S Hocking; Catriona S Bradshaw; Deborah A Williamson; Marcus Y Chen Journal: Euro Surveill Date: 2019-10