Attitude, Knowledge, and Intention to Receive Shingles Vaccine Using the Theory of Planned Behavior in Saudi Arabia
Author(s)
Ahmed M. Alshehri, RPh, MS, PhD, Sarah E. Alonazi, B.Pharm, Haya A. Alshalan, B.Pharm.
Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES: Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can reactivate in older adults after remaining dormant since a prior chickenpox infection. Although effective vaccines are available and recommended for individuals aged 50 and above, shingles vaccination rates remain low in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives regarding shingles vaccines and identify factors affecting intentions to receive the vaccine among adults aged 50 and above, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model.
METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire based on the TPB model was distributed in person and online to adults aged 50 years and older across Saudi Arabia. The survey included items measuring attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and knowledge regarding the shingles vaccine, as well as sociodemographic variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses.
RESULTS: The sample of 108 participants reported generally positive attitudes toward the shingles vaccine, with a mean attitude score of 5.30 (±1.21), indicating a favorable view of vaccination. Participants also showed a strong intention to vaccinate, with an average intention score of 5.50 (±1.15), and perceived high social encouragement to receive the vaccine, with a mean subjective norm score of 5.10 (±1.07). Attitude and subjective norms emerged as significant predictors of the intention to vaccinate, underscoring the influence of personal beliefs and social support from healthcare providers and close contacts on vaccination willingness.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that enhancing positive perceptions of the vaccine and emphasizing social support from family and healthcare providers can effectively increase vaccine uptake among older adults in Saudi Arabia. By addressing these key psychological factors through the TPB framework, public health initiatives can improve shingles vaccination rates and help protect this vulnerable group from the disease.
METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire based on the TPB model was distributed in person and online to adults aged 50 years and older across Saudi Arabia. The survey included items measuring attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and knowledge regarding the shingles vaccine, as well as sociodemographic variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses.
RESULTS: The sample of 108 participants reported generally positive attitudes toward the shingles vaccine, with a mean attitude score of 5.30 (±1.21), indicating a favorable view of vaccination. Participants also showed a strong intention to vaccinate, with an average intention score of 5.50 (±1.15), and perceived high social encouragement to receive the vaccine, with a mean subjective norm score of 5.10 (±1.07). Attitude and subjective norms emerged as significant predictors of the intention to vaccinate, underscoring the influence of personal beliefs and social support from healthcare providers and close contacts on vaccination willingness.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that enhancing positive perceptions of the vaccine and emphasizing social support from family and healthcare providers can effectively increase vaccine uptake among older adults in Saudi Arabia. By addressing these key psychological factors through the TPB framework, public health initiatives can improve shingles vaccination rates and help protect this vulnerable group from the disease.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
PCR103
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Adherence, Persistence, & Compliance, Health State Utilities, Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient Engagement
Disease
SDC: Geriatrics, STA: Vaccines