Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Herpes Zoster Vaccination Among Primary Healthcare Physicians: A Cross-sectional Survey in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the knowledge levels, attitudes, practices, and associated factors regarding herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination among primary healthcare physicians in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, among 281 primary healthcare physicians in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included a 15-point knowledge assessment scale and a Likert-type scale for attitudes and practices. Knowledge was deemed sufficient if the median score was achieved. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified predictors of knowledge sufficiency.

RESULTS

Of the 288 physicians invited, 281 participated with a response rate of 97.6%. The mean age was 35.2 ± 8.4 years, with a male majority (n = 164; 58.4%). Adequate knowledge of HZ vaccination was observed in 176 (62.6%) participants. Knowledge was associated with a professional level ( 0.027); years of experience ( 0.020)-especially those with ≥ 5 years of experience ( 0.038)-were significant predictors of adequate knowledge. Most physicians (71.5%) perceived the vaccine as safe, and 65.8% considered it a clinical priority; however, 47.3% cited time constraints as a barrier to recommending it to patients.

CONCLUSIONS

While knowledge levels among primary healthcare physicians in Jazan are acceptable overall, gaps in vaccination practices persist. Experience was a significant determinant of knowledge sufficiency, whereas time constraints were the primary barrier to vaccine recommendation. Targeted educational interventions and systemic adjustments were recommended to address time management challenges.