Knowledge and attitude towards Herpes Simplex Virus-2 in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia

Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital ulcers. The prevalence of HSV-2 increases because of its asymptomatic shedding. This study aimed to evaluate community knowledge and attitude toward HSV-2 infection in Al-Jouf region.

410 participants were enrolled in the study and they filled out a questionnaire on HSV-2 and its complications.

Of the 410 participants, 106 individuals were excluded from the study because they resided outside Al-Jouf. Of the remaining 304 participants, 56% were females, 44% were aged between 21-30 years, 84% were university graduates, 56% were single, and 40% were married. Only 58% of participants knew that HSV-2 is an STD, and less than 50% knew that HSV-2 infection can occur many times and can be transmitted from asymptomatic individuals. Regarding their attitude, only 32.5% participants agreed to use a condom if they had sores, 27% agreed to use the condom if they had more than one wife, and more than half of participants responded that they did not know.

A considerable proportion of the youth (21-30 years old) did not know that HSV-2 infection is an STD that can occur many times, may remain asymptomatic, and is transmitted from asymptomatic partners or from the mother to her fetus. They were also not aware how to protect themselves from this infectious disease. Thus, educational and health awareness campaigns are required to raise the level of knowledge on HSV-2 infection, including its prevention, and control.