Level of Knowledge of Herpes Zoster among Visitors to Health Centers in Makkah Al-Mukarramah 2023

Abstract

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ), generally known as shingles, is an extremely contagious dermatomal rash characterized by painful blistering that results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).  Herpes zoster (HZ) causes significant morbidity, particularly in older adults. With the advent of a recombinant zoster vaccine, HZ is potentially preventable. However, data on HZ burden and healthcare utilization in primary care populations remains scarce. Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful vesicular rash that happens when an infection with the varicella-zoster virus in the sensory ganglia is reactivated. The incidence and severity of HZ and its complications increase with advancing age, with a marked increase after 50 years of age. In addition, diabetes mellitus has been found to be a risk factor for severe, persistent post herpetic neuralgia.  Herpes zoster (HZ) infection can significantly impair the quality of life of the affected individuals, and its treatment imposes a considerable cost burden on the health-care system and on society at large. However, there is little information on the perception of this disease and the acceptability of vaccines in Saudi Arabia, data on Herpes Zoster (HZ) incidence and complications in Saudi Arabia (KSA) are unknown.

Aim of the study: To assessment the level of knowledge of herpes zoster among visitors to health centers in Makkah Al-Mukarramah 2023.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at patients with history among the herpes zoster visiting the primary health sector in Makkah City, from June to July 2023, 100 patients were included and data were collected by using a written questionnaire also online questionnaire and telephone interviews, was developed based on a literature review, to assessed the Level of knowledge of herpes zoster.

Results: most of the participants (30.0%) were in the age group(60-69) the majority of them male were (62.0%), marital status most of participants married were(78.0%), patient enrollment sites in health centers the majority of participant are family medicine clinic  were(72.0%).

Conclusion: There is a clear gap in the literature regarding the incidence of Herpes zoster infection, and the Level of knowledge by Herpes zoster in the KSA countries. Further research into the epidemiology of Herpes zoster is necessary to inform the implementation of vaccination programs in the GCC countries. Herpes zoster is a prevalent condition affecting a wide range of patients including geriatrics.