Weighing up the costs of seeking health care for dengue symptoms: a grounded theory study of backpackers' decision-making processes

Vatja, Balint, Holberg, Mette, Mills, Jane, and McBride, William J.H. (2015) Weighing up the costs of seeking health care for dengue symptoms: a grounded theory study of backpackers' decision-making processes. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 21 (2). pp. 245-248.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/PY13107
 
3
5


Abstract

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus, is an ongoing public health issue in North Queensland. Importation of dengue fever by travellers visiting or returning to Australia can lead to epidemics. The mosquito can acquire the virus in the symptomatic viraemic phase, so timely recognition of cases is important to prevent epidemics. There is a gap in the literature about backpackers' knowledge of dengue fever and the decision-making process they use when considering utilising the Australian health-care system. This study uses grounded theory methods to construct a theory that explains the process backpackers use when seeking health care. Fifty semi-structured interviews with backpackers, hostel receptionists, travel agents and pharmacists were analysed, resulting in identification of a core category: 'weighing up the costs of seeking health care'. This core category has three subcategories: 'self-assessment of health status', 'wait-and-see' and 'seek direction'. Findings from this study identified key areas where health promotion material and increased access to health-care professionals could reduce the risk of backpackers spreading dengue fever.

Item ID: 31183
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1448-7527
Keywords: backpacker, epidemic, fever, knowledge, traveller, tropical disease
Date Deposited: 11 Apr 2014 01:20
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences > 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 5
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page