[Prevalence of herpes zoster and influencing factors in population in China]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of herpes zoster and its influencing factors in population in China, and provide reference for the development of herpes zoster prevention strategies. Methods: A survey was conducted in 27 868 study participants in 25 provinces in China from July to September 2024. The prevalence of herpes zoster was calculated, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors. Results: The overall prevalence of herpes zoster in population in China was 6.15% (95%CI: 5.87%-6.43%) and the weighted overall prevalence was 5.89% (95%CI: 5.61%-6.17%). The prevalence in women (6.74%, 95%CI: 6.32%-7.15%) was higher than that in men (5.56%, 95%CI: 5.18%-5.94%). The prevalence increased with age, and the prevalence was 1.33% (95%CI: 1.05%-1.62%) in age group 0-17 years and 12.95% (95%CI: 11.77%-14.13%) in age group ≥70 years. The prevalence in urban population (6.95%, 95%CI: 6.54%-7.37%) was higher than that in rural population (5.30%, 95%CI: 4.92%-5.67%). The prevalence varied in people with different educational levels and increased with the increase of educational level. The prevalence had significant differences among people with different income levels. The prevalence of herpes zoster in adults with chronic diseases (11.09%, 95%CI: 10.45%-11.72%) was higher than that in those without chronic diseases (4.60%, 95%CI: 4.24%-4.97%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for herpes zoster in women was 1.28 (95%CI: 1.15-1.42) times higher that in men. Older age, higher educational level, urban residence, and suffering from chronic diseases were all associated with increased risk for herpes zoster. Conclusions: The prevalence of herpes zoster was high in population in China. In the prevention and treatment of herpes zoster, it is necessary to take targeted protection measures for key populations, such as women, patients with chronic diseases, middle-aged and elderly people.