Clinical and epidemiological aspects of herpes zoster disease in a primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Context: Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is one of the most common infectious diseases. HZ can be associated with other diseases, such as cancer and immunocompromised conditions. Thus, early recognition of the disease characteristics and clinical manifestations is critical to decrease the disease burden and to avoid further complications. Aim: To assess the epidemiology of HZ disease, its clinical manifestations, coexisting and post-existing conditions, complications, and management among patients in a primary care setting. Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-armed, cohort study. Data of all patients diagnosed with HZ, aged 18 years and older, who visited the Family Medicine Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center from January 2014 to August 2021 were reviewed from their medical records. All data analyses were performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, version 20.0. Results: A total of 330 cases were included over the study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2, with a higher occurrence of HZ (44.5%) in those aged ≥ 50 years. Only 4.5% of the patients were recipients of zoster vaccines. Thoracic dermatome was the most affected dermatome (38%). The most common coexisting disease was diabetes (21.5%). The most common post-existing disease was cardiovascular disease (3%), and the most common complication was postherpetic neuralgia (15.2%). Suboptimal dosage of acyclovir was the most commonly used treatment for HZ infections (69.7%). Conclusions: Zoster vaccination uptake was low. A national program for adult vaccination, including zoster vaccination, should be developed, and a guideline to direct primary health-care professionals in the management of HZ infections should be implemented.

Public Perception in Saudi Arabia Toward Herpes Zoster and Its Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The recent rise in cases brings attention to the importance of managing the low vaccination rate, which is attributed to public beliefs and perceptions toward HZ and its vaccination [ 8 ]. Despite the fact that vaccination of HZ is available as a preventive measure for shingles, the vaccination rate in Saudi Arabia is still low, reaching around 5% of the target population [ 9 , 10 ]. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an in-depth assessment of this negative practice toward HZ vaccination.…”

Community-Based Cross-Sectional Assessment Survey On Herpes Zoster Vaccination Practices

“…Infection rates in Saudi Arabia are no better. Although, no large epidemiological surveys were conducted to accurately estimate prevalence of HZ infection among Saudi elderly, rates have been reported to be as high as 38% in patients above 50 years of age ( 3 ).…”

Herpes zoster vaccine awareness and acceptance among adults in Saudi Arabia: a survey-based cross-sectional study

“…Despite the availability of effective vaccines, herpes zoster vaccination rates remain suboptimal in many countries, including Saudi Arabia [ 5 , 8 ]. Studies have shown that various factors influence vaccine uptake, including sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, education level, income, and access to healthcare services.…”