Knowledge and Awareness of Herpes Zoster Among Elderly Patients Attending to Primary Health Centers at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023

Abstract

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common disease in adults and older subjects solely related to the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in ganglia. The incidence of the disease increases with aging and the decline of varicella zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity, herpes zoster have a significant impact on the quality of life of subjects during the acute phase. Besides, pain can persist even for a long time becoming chronic. The chronic pain following herpes zoster is called post herpetic neuralgia, and it is a debilitating long-lasting condition, characterized by metameric pain, allodia, and hyperalgesia. Therapeutic options against herpes zoster and post herpetic neuralgia are often suboptimal and the impact of the disease and its complications on daily living activities is significant, especially in older subjects. Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon with significant and manifold impacts on society. In this vulnerable state, the immune response is weakened and a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases is observed, the lifetime risk of developing Herpes zoster. Aim of the study: To described the Knowledge and awareness of herpes zoster among elderly patients attending to primary health centers at kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at elderly patients with history among the herpes zoster attending to primary health centers at kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from December to January 2023, 100 patients were included and data were collected by using a written questionnaire.

Results: shows that most of the participants (45.0%) were in the age group(70-79) years, the gender majority of them male was higher compared to female(59.0% and 41.0%) , the marital status most of participants married were(82.0%), patient enrollment sites in health centers the majority of participant are family medicine clinic were (66.0%) while Internal medicine clinic were(19.0%) but the geriatric clinic were(15.0%),  educational background the majority of participant secondary school were(56.0%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among elderly patients and the public in Saudi Arabia regarding shingles and its vaccine, the findings suggest a need for targeted educational campaigns to address misconceptions and promote vaccination, particularly among elderly patients.