Knowledge and Attitude towards Herpes Zoster Vaccination among Population in Abha, KSA

Abstract

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is an infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus reactivation, resulting in pain and vesicular rash with a dermatomal distribution (1). This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward Herpes Zoster vaccination among the Population in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: -A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among adults more than 15 years of age in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was 384, and the sampling technique used was non-probability convenient sampling. The data was collected using an online questionnaire, and data were analyzed by using the statistical package for Social (SPSS), version 26. Results: -From the findings of this study, most of the participants (97.7%) were Saudi, more than one-half (60.4%) were females, and single (51.8%). Nearly one-half (47.1%) worked in the non-healthcare field, roughly one-third (32%) were between 21 – 30 years, Majority participants (80.2%) heard about HZ disease; from those participants, more than one-third (35.7%) of their source of information about shingles was the internet. The knowledge level was low in most participants (78.4%) and moderate in more than one-fifth (20.1%). The level of attitude was positive in more than two-thirds of the participants in the study (73.7%). Conclusion: -Most participants had a low level of knowledge and a positive attitude. Educational programs are essential for increasing awareness, and the mass media should be involved in disseminating information on the importance of vaccination against Herpes Zoster.