Abstract

Background and Aims:
Understanding public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) and its vaccination is crucial to mitigate the risk for this infection. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding VZV and its vaccination at Al-Qunfudah governorate.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 473 participants from Al-Qunfudah governorate residents. Data was collected by an online questionnaire that was distributed via electronic platforms. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:
Among 473 participants, only 24 (5.1%) received the VZ vaccine. Knowledge of the VZV was significantly higher among young and employed ones (p = 0.010 and 0.027, respectively). While knowledge about the VZ vaccine was significantly higher among elderly, female, Saudi, and retired participants as well as those who received the three Covid-19 vaccine doses (p = 0.025, 0.029, 0.033, 0.041, and 0.027), respectively. VZ Vaccine willingness was higher among females and those without chronic conditions (p = 0.012, 0.007), respectively. The most common barriers to the VZ vaccine were being healthy (186, 39.3%), ignorance (172, 36.4%), and concerns about the vaccine side effects (162, 34.2%).

Conclusion:
This study uncovers a significant gap in awareness about VZ vaccination following the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination rates are very low. Despite this, there is a strong willingness among the population to receive the vaccine when recommended by a healthcare provider. By integrating VZ vaccine information into broader public health campaigns, there is great potential to improve vaccination rates.

Key words: Attitude, Varicella-Zoster Virus, knowledge, vaccination