The sexual behaviour of young people working within the tourist industry and their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

Having previously been employed within the tourist industry, we were quite aware of the possible sexual relations which might exist between the iocai young workers in this industry and the tourists visiting Malta. Young people have increased considerably their engagement in sexual activities at times without taking the necessary safety precautions to prevent contamination from sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual experience is an important event for young people especially the first time, as this seems to open the gateway to an adult life style. This study attempted to explore the influence young people are exposed to within the tourist industry as far as sexual behaviour is concerned. Moreover, this study also tried to establish the knowledge and beliefs young people hold about sexually transmitted diseases. The research was carried out in different geographical, touristic areas amongst 81 respondents who had to answer a questionnaire. A control group study was also carried out amongst 26 respondents to compare and contrast the findings of this study. The results clearly indicate that sexual activity with tourists is more likely to occur through young people employed in the tourist industry, while at the same time knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases is very minimal and exposure to these diseases is at a higher risk. However, the youths themselves expressed their opinion that HIV and sexually transmitted diseases could be avoided by getting appropriately informed.