Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Herpes Zoster Prevention and Vaccine Acceptance through a Knowledge Attitude Practice Study for Sustainable Health
Saranya Punniyakotti *
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
D. Sakthi Sanjana
Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
D. Yuvarani
Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. R. Mayuricca
Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
B. Chaithanya
Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
Nithya Varadarajan
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sambasivam Gopinath
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a painful viral disease caused by reactivation of the Varicella-zoster virus, primarily affecting individuals with a history of chickenpox. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, awareness and preventive practices remain inadequate in many populations.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding shingles among adults and to identify gaps influencing prevention and vaccine acceptance.
Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 310 participants aged 17 years and above. The survey collected data on demographic characteristics, history of chickenpox, awareness of shingles and vaccination, perception of disease severity, and preventive practices.
Results: The findings indicated moderate awareness of shingles and its symptoms, with most participants recognizing the viral cause and common clinical features. However, awareness of the shingles vaccine was limited, and willingness to receive vaccination was relatively low. Attitudes toward prevention and information-seeking behaviour varied across demographic groups. Preventive practices such as isolation and hygiene were inconsistently followed.
Conclusion: Although general knowledge about shingles was satisfactory, significant gaps were observed in vaccine awareness, preventive practices, and proactive attitudes toward disease prevention. The study highlights the need for targeted health education programs and public health interventions to improve awareness and enhance vaccine acceptance within the community.
Keywords: Attitude, herpes zoster, knowledge, practice, preventive practices, public health, shingles, vaccination