Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward herpes zoster vaccination among the general population aged 50 years or...

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and demographic factors related to herpes zoster (HZ) and the HZ vaccine among Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, population aged 50 or above.

A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study conducted on 386 volunteers over the age 50 using the nonprobability convenience sampling technique. After being collected by distributing the questionnaire online and in public places from July 2023 to February 2024, the data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) (Software Version 9.4).

Out of 386 participants, the majority were Saudis (95.34%) and had a university degree or higher (67.1%). The prevalence of chronic diseases was notable, with diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia affecting 22.54%, 22.28%, and 19.17% of participants, respectively. Knowledge gaps were identified as many participants did not know about the relationship between chickenpox and HZ (69.43%), the infectiousness of HZ (50%), and the lifetime risk of developing HZ (79.27%). Misconceptions regarding young people's possibility of developing HZ, the disease fatality, HZ symptoms, and outcomes were also prevalent. Attitudes toward HZ demonstrated an interest in learning more about the disease (68.14%) and a willingness to take the HZ vaccine if recommended by a doctor (60.06%). However, vaccine uptake was significantly low (8.55%).

This study highlighted the need for targeted educational campaigns to address knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HZ among the population. Healthcare providers should play a vital role in promoting awareness and recommending the HZ vaccine especially for high-risk groups. These efforts can contribute to reducing the burden of HZ and its complications in the community.