PROVISION OF HEALTH INFORMATION BY BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS

A study to assess the frequency of health related advice provided by t ravel consultants to customers planning to travel to the tropics was u ndertaken. A total 202 agencies throughout the UK were visited by cove rt researchers requesting a package holiday for 2 weeks to Kenya or a flight to India. In a face to face consultation, the researchers recor ded any health related information provided. If none were for thinking , the agent was prompted using a standardized prompt. Thirty per cent ui the agencies were based in South-east England and London and the re mainder in the North, the Midlands and the South-west. No spontaneous health warnings were given in 61% (123) of consultations fur malarious destinations. After prompting, 71% of agents gave general health advi ce, 67% suggested seeking malaria advice from a general practitioner a nd 37% of agents brought up the need for malaria prophylaxis for the j ourney. 63% of consultations included a mention of malaria after being prompted. The study reveals that travel agents provide health advice inconsistently and mention health risks only when prompted. For travel lers' safety and to meet new consumer regulations, the travel industry needs to draw attention ro health risks associated with its products consistently and effectively.