Abstract

Background: Vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective tools for preventing health-related risks among travelers. The current study aimed at observing health practices among the general population regarding travel medicine.
Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 684 participants in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by sending the questionnaire through online platforms to the whole targeted population of Jeddah.
Results: A considerable percentage of the participants acknowledged the importance of vaccinations (70.8%) before traveling and their protective effects against infections (86.1%). Furthermore, 54.1% of the participants were against the fear of side effects as a cause to avoid the required vaccines, and 77.6% of them disagreed that vaccinations are just a pre-travel routine with no benefit.
Conclusion: Overall travel attitudes and practices in our participants are positive; however, further studies targeting tourists in international airports in Saudi Arabia are recommended that can help improve travel medicine and prevent infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Pre-travel vaccinations, travel medicine, health-seeking pre-traveling