Health and safety problems and lack of information among international visitors backpacking through North Queensland

Background: International visitors to tropical Australia may be exposed to health and safety problems. Because they are younger, stay longer and parti cipate in more activities, backpackers have a greater exposure to such prob lems than other visitors. Method:The study's aim was to determine how many backpackers experience pro blems and lack health and safety information. Four hundred and thirty-one i nternational visitors staying in a random sample of youth hostels and backp acker accommodation in Townsville were surveyed over the summer. Results: Sixty two percent experienced a health and safety problem, commonl y, insect bites, sunburn, headaches, lacerations, coral cuts, ear infection s and diarrhea. Seventeen percent resolved only with professional help. Onl y 54% of backpackers had been offered health and safety information prior t o departure, mainly vaccination advice. Conclusion:The proportion of backpackers offered health and safety informat ion about tropical Australia, and the breadth of that information, needs to be increased.