Clinical and epidemiological aspects of herpes zoster disease in a primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cohort study

Public Perception in Saudi Arabia Toward Herpes Zoster and Its Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Herpes zoster (HZ) or shingles, arises from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), mainly affecting older and immunocompromised individuals. Despite the efficacy of vaccines, vaccination rates in Saudi Arabia are low. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the Saudi Arabian population toward HZ and its vaccination. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the public perception in Saudi Arabia toward HZ and its vaccination, during the period from January to March 2024. Participants were selected using a non-probability, convenience sampling method, with recruitment facilitated through WhatsApp, a messaging app. Data has been analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A p-value of <0.05 has been used to report the statistical significance. Results The study's demographic profile included 1237 participants, predominantly younger than 30 years (65.5%), with a female majority (65.7%). Public knowledge about HZ was limited, only 29.6% of participants recognized the risk of HZ post-chickenpox. More than half of the participants were not aware that the vaccine is provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) for certain groups. However, over 75% are willing to receive the HZ vaccine upon physician recommendation. Conclusion This study shows a general lack of awareness about HZ and its vaccination in Saudi Arabia, including misconceptions about vaccination availability, recommendations, and the disease's complications. Gender differences in attitude and interest highlight the potential for tailored educational campaigns. Addressing these issues is essential for improving vaccination rates and mitigating HZ's impact.

Community-Based Cross-Sectional Assessment Survey On Herpes Zoster Vaccination Practices

Background

Herpes Zoster (HZ), also known as Shingles, is a commonly occurring infection especially among the elderly. It is due to the reactivation of the dormant virus in the sensory ends that were present since the primary infection with the virus.

Objective

Our study aims at assessing the knowledge, attitudes practices beliefs and current barriers towards the Shingrix vaccine to fully understand where we stand and come up with proper recommendations to services these at-risk individuals and ultimately have a positive impact on the healthcare system.

Methods

Questionnaire based cross sectional study using a translated version of a previously developed and tested questionnaire.

Results

more than 8000 participants responded to the survey. The vast majority had chicken pox before and did hear about the vaccine from different sources. Most of the participants had minimal knowledge regarding the vaccine and were willing to take it regardless of some safety concerns.

Conclusion

more efforts need to be conducted to enhance vaccine uptake in at risk populations in Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge About the Herpes Zoster (HZ) Vaccine and Its Acceptance Among the Population in Al-Ahsa City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), poses a public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with an increasing number of cases reported in recent years. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and acceptance of the herpes zoster vaccine among Saudi Arabian citizens in Al-Ahsa. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using online surveys administered via social media platforms. The study was conducted in Al-Ahsa, a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa serves as a representative urban area within Saudi Arabia. Result The study found a high level of awareness and knowledge about the vaccine, with 78.2% of the participants having heard of herpes zoster. The majority considered the vaccine effective (89%) and believed it was available in Saudi Arabia (87%). However, the vaccination rate was only 8%. The study revealed varied opinions on the target population for vaccination, with 39.7% favoring immunocompromised patients and 38.1% choosing individuals above 50 years. The reasons for not being vaccinated included a lack of information (38.3%) and the belief of being in good health (37.3%). Conclusion The findings suggest a need for targeted educational campaigns to address misconceptions and promote vaccination, particularly among healthcare providers and the recommended target populations. Future research should explore barriers to vaccination to inform tailored interventions.

Reactivation of Herpes Zoster in a Young Patient With Multiple Sclerosis Under Dimethyl Fumarate Treatment and Normal Lymphocyte Subsets Count: A Case Report

Herpes zoster (HZ) infection results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after an initial chickenpox infection. Although HZ appears more common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than expected in the general population, few studies have investigated this association, particularly with a normal absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). Additionally, no reported cases have discussed the clinical presentation of such patients. This report describes the case of a 26-year-old female with a known history of relapsing-remitting MS on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) treatment. She presented with a history of painful erythematous blisters, diagnosed as acute HZ infection with a normal ALC. This case provides evidence that warrants further research and attention to the management of patients with MS receiving DMF, particularly regarding infectious risks. It highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance and the potential benefits of VZV and HZ immunization in DMF recipients.

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.

Acceptability of Herpes Zoster Vaccination among Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Background: Vaccines have recently been made available free of charge by the Saudi Ministry of Health for people 50 years or older. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases herpes zoster (HZ) susceptibility, severity, serious complications, and negative impacts on underlying DM conditions, which are highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of the HZ vaccination and its predictors among patients with diabetes in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with diabetes from a primary healthcare center in the Qassim region was conducted. Information was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, history of herpes zoster infection, knowing someone who had had herpes zoster, past vaccinations, and factors influencing their intention to receive the HZ vaccination through a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: The median age (IQR) was 56 years (53–62). Overall, 25% (n = 104/410) of the participants reported their acceptability of the HZ vaccination, and the predictors were being male (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.01–4.00, p = 0.047), believing the HZ vaccine was effective (AOR 3.94, 95% CI 2.25–6.90, p < 0.001), and awareness that immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of contracting HZ (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.37–3.93, p = 0.002). A total of 74.2% (n = 227/306) of the participants reported their acceptability of the HZ vaccination if advised by their physician, and the predictors were being male (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.18–4.79, p = 0.016) and having a history of varicella vaccine uptake (AOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.02–19.86, p = 0.047). Conclusions: One-quarter of the participants were ready to accept the HZ vaccine, but this proportion significantly increased when the patients were advised by their physicians. The uptake rate can be improved with the involvement of healthcare providers and focused awareness campaigns about the effectiveness of the vaccine.