Abstract:
Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccination against herpes zoster to prevent its complications has been approved for individuals 50 years of age and older. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and habits of at-risk populations about the varicella-zoster virus and its vaccination. Methodology A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 adults over 50 years of age. Participants were selected by non-probability, convenience sampling from public places. RStudio (R version 4.1.1) was used to analyze the data. Result Eighty-three percent (n = 416) of participants had heard of herpes zoster (HZ). Seventy-four percent of respondents (n = 368) did not recognize the link between varicella and herpes zoster. Multiple linear regression showed that individuals who had varicella and heard about herpes zoster were the only positive predictors of herpes zoster knowledge. Out of all the respondents, 55.8% (n = 279) had heard of the herpes zoster vaccine, but 94.6% (n = 473) had not taken it. Among the respondents, 28.1% (n = 118) were unwilling to take optional vaccines; 77.4% (n = 387) agreed to take the HZ vaccine if recommended by a healthcare professional. Conclusion The general Saudi population had a good understanding of HZ and its vaccine. Their attitudes toward the HZ vaccine were generally positive; however, poor practices were observed. We recommend that arranging national campaigns targeting at-risk populations can enhance awareness about herpes zoster and its vaccine, subsequently increasing the rate of HZ immunization.
摘要:
引言带状疱疹(HZ)是由于水痘-带状疱疹病毒的再活化而发生的病毒感染。针对带状疱疹的疫苗接种以防止其并发症已被批准用于50岁及以上的个体。本研究旨在评估知识,态度,以及高危人群对水痘-带状疱疹病毒及其疫苗接种的习惯。方法论定量,观察,我们对500名50岁以上的成年人进行了横断面研究.参与者是通过非概率选择的,从公共场所方便取样。使用RStudio(R版本4.1.1)分析数据。结果83%(n=416)的参与者听说过带状疱疹(HZ)。74%的受访者(n=368)不认识水痘和带状疱疹之间的联系。多元线性回归显示,患有水痘并听说过带状疱疹的个体是带状疱疹知识的唯一阳性预测因子。在所有受访者中,55.8%(n=279)听说过带状疱疹疫苗,但94.6%(n=473)没有服用。在受访者中,28.1%(n=118)不愿意服用可选的疫苗;77.4%(n=387)同意在医疗保健专业人员推荐的情况下服用HZ疫苗。结论沙特普通人群对HZ及其疫苗有很好的了解。他们对HZ疫苗的态度总体上是积极的;然而,观察到不良做法。我们建议安排针对高危人群的全国性运动可以提高对带状疱疹及其疫苗的认识,随后增加了HZ的免疫率。