Content analysis of malaria-related health information published in online travel blogs

Abstract

Introduction: It is not known whether travellers consult travel blogs for malaria preventive advice. This study aimed to characterise information about travellers’ malaria across a sample of online travel blogs. Methods: A search of online travel blogs was conducted using the Google search engine for reference to malaria. Blogs were analysed across 35 variables and usage statistics were recorded. Results: Of 100 blogs retrieved, 92 contained malaria-related information. Ten different drugs were mentioned in this series, five of which were not appropriate for prevention of falciparum malaria. Pre-travel consultation was recommended by almost a third of blogs. Most blogs were supported by commercial sponsors, related to either the travel industry or travel health products. Conclusion: Given the inconsistency of the malaria preventive advice provided, there is scope for the travel medicine community to produce reliable material suitable for the lay traveller to be shared with prominent bloggers.