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. 2025 Jun 11;17(6):e85743.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85743. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Zoster Vaccination in Riyadh First Health Care Cluster in Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Atiah Alzahrani  1 , Abdulrahman Alqessayer  2 , Khalid H Alqarni  2 , Rayan M Almutairi  1
Affiliations

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Zoster Vaccination in Riyadh First Health Care Cluster in Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Atiah Alzahrani et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Varicella zoster vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing varicella and reducing the incidence of shingles. However, varicella zoster vaccination rates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the factors that influence vaccine acceptance and adherence within the Riyadh First Health Care Cluster.

Objective: The primary aim is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to varicella zoster vaccination among the diverse population served by the Riyadh First Health Care Cluster.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted within the Riyadh First Health Care Cluster to assess KAP related to varicella zoster vaccination. A stratified sampling method was employed to recruit a diverse group of participants from multiple healthcare facilities. The sample size was calculated to be 264 based on a 95% confidence level, 5% margin of error, and an estimated prevalence of 22%. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire covering demographics and KAP. A scoring system was applied to quantify responses. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were used to analyze the data. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants.

Results: The study included 271 participants. Only 15.5% of respondents exhibited a high level of knowledge of the vaccine, while 44.3% demonstrated low knowledge, indicating a significant gap in public awareness. Despite a generally positive attitude toward vaccination, 47.6% of participants showed high acceptance, while only 18.8% reported good vaccination practices, highlighting a significant public health challenge. Notably, knowledge and attitudes were significantly related to age, gender, occupation, and income, suggesting that younger males and healthcare professionals had better awareness and acceptance.

Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies to enhance knowledge, address misconceptions, and improve vaccination uptake in Riyadh. The observed gaps in knowledge and practices, despite generally positive attitudes, highlight the importance of targeted educational initiatives that engage healthcare providers and the community.

Keywords: attitudes; knowledge; practices; riyadh first health care cluster; saudi arabia; varicella zoster vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board of King Saud Medical City issued approval H1R1. We are pleased to inform you that the above-referenced research proposal has been reviewed and approved. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee found that the research meets the applicability criteria and is eligible for exempt review. However, in order to commence data collection, a permission letter must first be issued by the Director of the Research Center (contact Ms. Latifah at +966 11 837 1777, Ext. 77554). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Purpose of varicella zoster vaccination according to participants
Percent (%) represents the corresponding percentage of the total study population.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Trusting healthcare professionals about varicella zoster vaccination among participants
Percent (%) represents the corresponding percentage of the total study population.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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