Sun, sea … and sexually transmitted infections

The sexual habits of many young British holidaymakers have been exposed in a shocking report by a medical journal. It reportedly states that “urgent action” is needed to protect the health of many British holidaymakers who travel abroad. The findings of a survey by the STI Journal, which questioned some 1,500 visitors aged 16 to 35 who visited the Mediterranean holiday island of Ibiza between 2000 and 2002, emerged yesterday. The research found that one in four men and one in seven women had sex with more than one person during their stay, while 11% of men and 3% of women had sex with six or more partners. Nearly 10% said they had sex with someone who was not from the UK. Only 60% said they always used a condom. The journal stated: “Their behaviour is a significant risk factor in the national and international transmission of sexually transmitted infections. As yet, little attention has been paid to developing interventions that might reduce sexual risk-taking among young people holidaying abroad.”