SEX AND TRAVEL - STUDIES OF SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR, DISEASE AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS - A GLOBAL REVIEW

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be the most common no tifiable infectious conditions worldwide. Their unacceptably high inci dence is underlined by the recent emergence of a (presently) incurable and lethal STD-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-which mer its its description as a pandemic, and with which other STDs interact in an epidemiological synergy. Data that quantify the association betw een STDs/HIV infection with travel are difficult to obtain; neverthele ss figures are presented that reveal the lower limit to be large enoug h to be of considerable concern. Studies from around the world show, o verall, although knowledge of STDs is increasing amongst travellers, t he level of knowledge has little to do with actual behaviour, with a m odest increase in the use of condoms, but abundant evidence that a wid e variety of sexual behaviours take place among travellers and with lo cal inhabitants. Certain travellers, by virtue of their behavioural in teractions with 'core-groups' of efficient transmitters, may have a hi gh risk of acquisition of an STD/HIV. Worldwide, sexual health promoti on for travellers is in its infancy; indeed, it could more accurately be merely described as 'sexual education'. A fresh approach is recomme nded, which includes comprehensive programme planning and outcome, imp act, and process evaluations.