The Influence of Health Tourists' Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder on their Satisfaction and Intention to Revisit

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

1 Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Shiraz university of medical sciences

10.30476/jhmi.2025.104551.1245

Abstract

We are writing to express our concern regarding the influence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on the satisfaction levels of health tourists during their medical journeys and their inclination to revisit. OCD is an anxiety condition distinguished by persistent, intrusive thoughts and the compulsion to engage in repetitive actions or rituals to relieve anxiety.
Studies have indicated that OCD can significantly impact an individual's life, including his/her satisfaction with various aspects of life, such as trips. Symptoms of OCD, like extreme cleanliness and fear of contamination, can greatly influence the experience of health tourists. These people might encounter difficulties in feeling satisfied with their medical trip due to the persistent need for reassurance and the anxiety surrounding not adhering to their rituals. Moreover, people with OCD may experience extra anxiety and precautions, even in a very normal situation. This is of utmost importance as it can at times disrupt the service delivery process by health tourism professionals to these individuals. This anxiety can persist beyond the duration of the medical trip, affecting their overall satisfaction and desire to return for future treatments.

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