The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on September 10, 2008
The European Journal of Public Health 2008 18(6):569-574; doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckn080
European Perspectives |
Predictors of violence in young tourists: a comparative study of British, German and Spanish holidaymakers
Karen Hughes1, Mark A. Bellis1, Amador Calafat2, Montse Juan2, Susanne Schnitzer3 and Zara Anderson1
1 Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AY, UK
2 European Institute of Studies on Prevention (IREFREA), 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
3 SPI Forschung, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Correspondence: Karen Hughes, Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Castle House, North Street, Liverpool L3 2AY, UK, tel: +44 (0)151 231 4510, fax: +44 (0)151 231 4515, e-mail: k.e.hughes{at}ljmu.ac.uk
Received February 29, 2008 , accepted July 18, 2008
Background: International youth holiday resorts feature many of the key risk factors for violence, including large numbers of bars and nightclubs and high levels of substance use. However, little information currently exists on the extent of violence amongst holidaymakers or factors that increase risks of involvement in fights on holiday. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative survey of 3003 British, German and Spanish holidaymakers aged 16–35 years, undertaken in the departure areas of Ibiza and Majorca (Spain) airports. Results: Nightlife was the most common reason for destination choice in both locations. Overall, more than half of participants reported drinking to drunkenness at least 2 days per week during their holiday (59.3% Majorca, 58.0% Ibiza; significantly lower in Spanish participants in both locations). Levels of illicit drug use were highest in Ibiza and in British and Spanish holidaymakers. Levels of violence were highest in Majorca, where 6.4% of participants reported involvement in a fight, compared with 2.8% in Ibiza. However, after controlling for confounding factors, holiday destination was not a significant predictor of violence. Predictors of fighting were being male, young, British, frequent drunkenness and use of cannabis or cocaine during the holiday. Use of ecstasy on holiday was associated with not being involved in violence. Conclusions: High levels of substance use contribute to violence being a relatively common feature of young people's visits to international holiday resorts. To protect the health and well-being of holidaymakers and local populations in popular resorts, violence and substance use prevention must adapt to an increasingly globalized nightlife.
Keywords: alcohol consumption, drug usage, holidays, injuries, violence