Herpes zoster awareness: a pilot centre analysis

Authors : Hasan Özdek Sayılır, Şükran Köse

Pages : 704-711

Doi:10.31362/patd.1500710

View : 29 | Download : 87

Publication Date : 2024-10-09

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), typically occurring years after a primary VZV infection (chickenpox). This study aims to assess the awareness of HZ and its vaccine among adults in Izmir, Türkiye, to inform future public health strategies and improve vaccination rates. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted in April 2024 among adults aged 18-69 years in Izmir, Türkiye, using a random sampling method in urban and suburban communities. The survey, administered by healthcare professionals in public, consisted of dichotomous questions to determine demographic characteristics and measure knowledge about HZ and its vaccine. Results: A total of 71 participants were included, with a mean age of 42.28±15.83 years. The gender distribution was nearly equal (50.3% male, 49.7% female). Overall, 59.2% of respondents were aware of HZ, but only 18.3% knew about the HZ vaccine. Women were significantly more likely to be aware of HZ than men (OR=2.79, 95% CI:1.02-4.19, p=0.04). Age did not significantly correlate with disease or vaccine awareness. There were no significant differences in disease awareness (χ²=0.58, p=0.75) or vaccine awareness (χ²=0.21, p=0.90) between different age groups. Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate level of awareness about HZ but a low awareness of the HZ vaccine among adults in Izmir, Türkiye. Women were more likely to be aware of HZ, suggesting a gender disparity in disease awareness. Public health initiatives should focus on increasing awareness of the HZ vaccine, particularly older adults. Further research is needed to explore the reasons behind low vaccine awareness and develop strategies to improve vaccination rates.
Keywords : Zona, zona aşısı, zona farkındalığı