Travel-Health Behaviour and Self Reported Travel-Related Illness Among International Medical Students In A Tropical Destination: A Cross Sectional Survey From Indonesia

Made Ayunda Apti Chandra Apsari (Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia)
Wayan Citra Wulan Sucipta Putri (Publich Health Department, Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia)
A.A. Sagung Sawitri (Publich Health Department, Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia)
Ni Luh Putu Ariastuti (Publich Health Department, Medical Faculty, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia)

Primary Care Science and Practice (PCSP)
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): January

Background: International travelers are at risk of travel-related illness (TRI), particularly when visiting tropical and developing regions such as Indonesia. Bali, as a major international destination, presents increased exposure to infectious diseases and environmental health risks. International medical students are especially vulnerable due to prolonged stays and high levels of social interaction. Objective: This study aimed to describe travel-health behaviour and the occurrence of travel-related illness among international medical students in tropical LMICs. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted from January to September 2025, collected using a structured questionnaire administered through in-person and online interviews. A total 60 participants from international medical students, Udayana University using convenience sampling. The study assessed travel-health behaviour : pre-travel preparation, pre-travel advice–seeking behaviour, preventive practices during travel, and travel-health kit utilization. In addition, travel-related illness was evaluated, defined as any self-reported health problems experienced during travel. Results: Most participants showed good pre-travel health preparation (31-58,3%), including professional consultation, and possession of travel-health kits. Preventive practices during travel were generally good (68,3%) but did not consistently increase with higher preparation levels. Despite this, a high proportion of participants experienced travel-related illness (78,3%), mainly gastrointestinal (55%) and respiratory conditions (31,7%). Professional pre-travel advice and good preventive practices were associated with lower illness proportions. Conclusion: Despite high pre-travel preparation, travel-related illness remained common among international medical students, likely influenced by ongoing environmental exposure and situational behaviours during prolonged stays in tropical settings, reducing the effectiveness of pre-departure preparation.