RESUMO
Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Reactivation of the latent virus causes a painful dermatomal rash that is typical in HZ, which is frequently accompanied by post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Although HZ negatively impacts individuals' quality of life, vaccination has been shown to reduce the incidence of HZ and PHN and reduce the severity of the disease in the event of a breakthrough. Nonetheless, several studies have shown a low level of knowledge and poor practices regarding HZ and its vaccine. However, only two studies on this issue have been conducted in the Middle East. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HZ vaccinations among the Saudi population aged 50 years and older. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 involving citizens aged 50 years and older in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online, validated, close-ended structured questionnaire distributed through social media. Linear regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of knowledge regarding HZ, knowledge regarding the HZ vaccine, and attitudes toward HZ. Categorical variables were dummy-coded. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the willingness to receive the HZ vaccine. Results A total of 368 respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge scores (%) regarding HZ and its vaccine were 28.6% and 37.1%, respectively. While 51.6% (n = 190) claimed to be aware of the HZ vaccine, only 31.6% (n = 60) had a knowledge score of 80% or higher. Multivariate analysis showed that knowledge was positively associated with female gender, prior chickenpox infection, and higher education. Only 54.4% of the respondents were willing to get the HZ vaccine, and 28.8% were willing to pay out of pocket for the HZ vaccine. Conclusion The results suggest that educational campaigns on HZ and its vaccine targeting at-risk groups are required to raise awareness and increase the public's knowledge. Additionally, healthcare personnel's recommendation of the HZ vaccine to the target population should be encouraged, as it is an important factor in vaccine acceptability.
RESUMO
Objectives: Cerumen production is a protective process for the ear canal. Cerumen impaction causes unpleasant symptoms. There are various cerumen removal practices. These include irrigation, application of softeners/solvents, mechanical removal, and micro-suction. However, during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients opted for some procedures, such as ear candling, which are not evidence-based. This study aimed to explore the awareness of ear candling among otolaryngology doctors and record cases with complications of such practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature search, and distributed to otolaryngology residents, fellows, and consultants of different hospitals across the country. A total of 80 respondents agreed to participate in the study. Results: A total of 16 doctors reported seeing cases of ear candling, of which 13 patients had different complications, of which ear pain was the most commonly reported. The majority of participants (42.5%) thought the lack of medical access during lockdown enhanced the practice of alternative medicine for ear-related complaints in society compared to 35% of participants who had a neutral response regarding this idea and 22.5% who disagreed. Conclusions: Although the practice of ear candling is not widely spread in KSA, different types of ear complications were recorded by the otolaryngologist. We would like to encourage the doctors to report such complications, especially after the lockdown period.
