Demographic characteristics

The survey involved 772 participants, with a relatively even distribution of 420 (54.4%) men and 352 (45.6%) women. Concerning the age groups, 314 (40.7%) fell within the 31–45 years category, the most frequent age group, followed by 218 (28.2%) participants in the 18–30 years category. In terms of education, 422 (54.5%) participants had a college degree or were currently attending college, while 213 (27.6%) held postgraduate degrees. Regarding employment status, the majority, 513 (66.5%) participants, were employed.

Concerning international travel history, a significant proportion, 624 (80.8%) participants, engaged in international travel within the last 12 months. Specifically, 409 (53.0%) mentioned having 1–2 trips during the same period, while 140 (18.1%) participants reported 3–4 trips. The destinations of international trips reported by participants are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants (N = 772)Utilization of pre-travel health consultations

A considerable proportion of participants, 593 (76.8%), had never had any pre-travel health consultation, 37 (4.8%) had it on every international trip, while 87 (11.3%) sought such consultations occasionally. Among the 179 (23.2%) participants with previous pre-travel health consultations, 107 (59.8%) expressed satisfaction, finding the consultations helpful.

Participants highlighted diverse factors influencing their decision to seek pre-travel health consultations. Key influencers included recommendations from healthcare professionals, cited by 297 (38.5%) participants, previous travel experiences reported by 144 (18.7%) participants, and awareness of travel-related health risks by 178 (23.1%) participants (Table 2).

Table 2 Utilization and Perceptions of Pre-Travel Health Consultations (N = 772)

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors significantly associated with the likelihood of individuals seeking pre-travel health advice. This comprehensive analysis revealed that age significantly influences health-seeking behavior, with older age groups (46–60 years and 61 or older) showing a higher propensity to seek advice (OR = 2.2 [1.3–3.9], p < 0.01 and OR = 5.7 [2.9–14.2], p < 0.01, respectively) compared to the 18–30 years reference group. Gender differences were also pronounced; females were more likely than males to seek pre-travel health consultations (OR = 6.1 [4.1–9.7], p < 0.01). Education level emerged as another critical factor, especially among postgraduates, who were significantly more inclined to seek advice (OR = 14.5 [7.5–18.7], p < 0.01) compared to those with a high school education or below (Table 3).

Table 3 Factors associated with seeking of pre-travel health consultationsPerceived importance of pre-travel health consultations

The results revealed a spectrum of perspectives on the importance of pre-travel health consultations as assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. Specifically, 252 (32.6%) participants rated them as extremely important, 149 (19.3%) participants deemed them somewhat important, 62 (8.0%) participants expressed a neutral stance, 31 (4.0%) participants considered them slightly important, and 278 (36.0%) participants indicated that they considered pre-travel health consultations not important at all.

Participants were asked to indicate the perceived importance of various aspects within pre-travel health consultations. Figure 1 showcases the distribution of responses among participants. Disease prevention information emerged as the most notable focus, garnering attention from 678 (87.8%) participants. Travel safety guidelines closely followed, with 617 (79.9%) participants expressing interest. Vaccination recommendations were also highly regarded, with 597 (77.4%) participants. Explanations of potential health risks received substantial consideration from 582 (75.3%) participants. Medication advice was deemed important by 456 (59.0%) participants. Cultural considerations for health abroad were perceived as relevant by 318 (41.2%) participants.

Fig. 1

Perceived Importance of Aspects of Pre-Travel Health Consultations Among Study Participants (N = 772)

The survey explored participants’ perspectives on strategies for enhancing the perceived importance of pre-travel health consultations within the general population. Notably, 620 (80.1%) participants advocated for increased awareness campaigns as a key approach. Collaboration with travel agencies also garnered significant support, with 450 (58.3%) participants endorsing this partnership. Accessible clinics and services were highlighted by 567 (73.4%) participants. Furthermore, 503 (65.1%) participants considered mandatory requirements for certain destinations essential. Regarding incentives, 382 (49.5%) participants suggested offering discounts or incentives for individuals seeking pre-travel health consultations. Engaging healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive and accessible pre-travel health information and services emerged as another impactful strategy, with 610 (78.9%) participants supporting this approach.

Barriers to seeking pre-travel health advice

Among 593 participants who reported never attending pre-travel clinic consultations, the majority, encompassing 445 participants (75.0%), cited a perceived low risk as the primary reason. Other significant factors contributing to the decision included a lack of awareness (215 participants, 36.3%), time constraints (128 participants, 21.6%), and cost concerns (92 participants, 15.5%). A small proportion of participants (10 participants, 1.7%) specified other reasons (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Barriers to Seeking Pre-Travel Health Consultation, Among Those Who Reported Never Attending a Pre-travel Health Consultation (N = 593). *Other reasons specified by participants who did not attend pre-travel clinic consultations: Personal beliefs (4 participants), reliance on alternative health practices (3 participants), and uncertainty about the effectiveness of pre-travel consultations (3 participant)

Preferences for receiving pre-travel health information

In Table 4, participants’ responses regarding their preferred sources and formats for pre-travel health information are summarized. While online resources were indicated as the preferred source by a higher proportion of participants, with 688 (89.0%) participants expressing confidence in this medium, healthcare professionals were also highly favored, with 620 (80.1%) participants indicating trust in expert guidance. Additionally, travel clinics were considered valuable by 450 (58.3%) participants, while public health campaigns resonated with 315 (40.8%) participants.

Table 4 Participant preferences for receiving pre-travel health information (N = 772)

In terms of the format of information delivery, while face-to-face consultations were preferred by a substantial proportion of participants, with 425 (55.0%) participants opting for this personalized approach, other formats also garnered significant support. Brochures and handouts were preferred by 178 (23.1%), participants while websites proved to be a popular medium, capturing the preference of 612 (79.2%) participants. Additionally, mobile apps gained traction, with 324 (41.9%) participants expressing a preference for this convenient and accessible format.