Herpes zoster vaccine awareness and acceptance among adults in Saudi Arabia: a survey-based cross-sectional study

Background Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Despite the recommended herpes zoster vaccine for individuals aged ≥ 50 years, its uptake remains low in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and awareness of herpes zoster and its vaccine in individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online survey distributed via social media. Results Among 402 participants, 57.2% had heard of the shingles vaccine, but only 7.7% received it. However, 53.2% expressed willingness to be vaccinated. Multivariable analysis revealed that those aged 56–60 were 1.8 times more likely to accept the vaccine than those aged 50–55 years (p = 0.03). Men were 1.9 times more likely to accept the vaccine than women (p = 0.01). Additionally, participants with a primary education were 16.1 times more likely to accept the vaccine than those with a higher education (p = 0.01). Conclusion This study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the public in Saudi Arabia regarding shingles and its vaccine. The low vaccine uptake calls for effective strategies, such as awareness campaigns and provider reminders. Primary education and vaccine hesitancy influence willingness to be vaccinated..

Plain Language Summary This study aimed to understand how much people in Saudi Arabia know about shingles (herpes zoster) and the vaccine to prevent it. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus can stay in the body and reactivate later in life, causing shingles. We conducted an online survey among adults aged 50 years and above to gather information. Many people had heard about shingles, but their knowledge about it was limited. Healthcare providers were not a significant source of information for most participants, showing the need for more awareness and education from healthcare professionals. We also looked at people’s attitudes towards the shingles vaccine. Only a small percentage of participants had received the vaccine, but many expressed willingness to get vaccinated. However, certain factors like age, gender, and education level influenced people’s willingness to take the vaccine. The low vaccine uptake is concerning because shingles can lead to serious health problems. To increase vaccine acceptance, we suggest implementing awareness campaigns and providing reminders to people and healthcare providers. It’s also important to address concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. In conclusion, our study showed the need for more awareness and education about shingles and its vaccine among adults in Saudi Arabia. By addressing the barriers to vaccine uptake and promoting its benefits, we can reduce the burden of shingles and its complications in the older population..

Medienart:	E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:	2023
Erschienen:	2023

Enthalten in:	Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:9
Enthalten in:	Tropical diseases, travel medicine and vaccines - 9(2023), 1 vom: 21. Okt.

Sprache:	Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:	AlMuammar, Sarah [VerfasserIn] Albogmi, Afaf [VerfasserIn] Alzahrani, Manar [VerfasserIn] Alsharef, Fai [VerfasserIn] Aljohani, Raghad [VerfasserIn] Aljilani, Teif [VerfasserIn]

Links:	Volltext [kostenfrei]

Themen:	Awareness Health literacy Herpes zoster Saudi Arabia Shingles Vaccine Vaccine hesitancy

Anmerkungen:	© The Author(s) 2023

doi:	10.1186/s40794-023-00202-z

funding:
Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):	SPR053484142