FRISKY ANTICS
THE NAUGHTY SECRETS OF BACKPACKERS
MANY foreign backpackers travel to the Far North to get lucky with multiple sexual partners – but one in four has confessed to never using a condom.
A joint study between James Cook University and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has shed light on the sexual behaviours of foreign travellers visiting the region and their risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The study, published last month, examined the prevalence of the STI Mycoplasma genitalium and a common cause of non-gonoccal urethritis. Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacteria that infects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix and anus, and can cause genital pain and inflammation.
There has been global concern about increased rates of the bacteria, with international backpackers likely to be at risk of STIs.
Researchers surveyed nearly 300 foreigners staying in several hostels across Cairns about their sexual behaviours and gathered samples to check for Mycoplasma genitalium.
While they found only 1.8 per cent tested positive for the bacteria, the survey results confirmed many backpackers were engaging in risky sexual behaviour.
The survey revealed 91.9 per cent of participants had arrived in the Far North without partners, a total 61 per cent engaged in sex with two or more partners while here.
The survey also revealed 26.4 per cent confessed to never using condoms with new sexual partners during their time in Australia.
Lead researcher Thomas Trevis said the survey results were not surprising.
“I don’t think I was surprised at all. I think most people know that backpackers engage in sex a lot more than people who aren’t travelling, and engage in riskier sex lives as well,” he said.
“But I guess, what my study does is, it quantifies it.
“Rather than just thinking it, we know it.”
The survey included participants predominantly from Europe and the UK.
Mr Trevis hoped the findings would help raise awareness of the need for safe sex.
“I think hostels have a role to play in terms of educating people about the risks of unprotected sex,” he said.
“They could offer condoms and things.”
He said, however, many survey participants were aware of where and how they could receive treatment if they contracted an STI.