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  1. Fulltext Chinese Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale: translation and psychometric evaluation
    Kheng, Seang Lim, Wan, Yuen Choo, Wu, Cathie, Hills, Micheal D., Chong, Tin Tan
    Neurology Asia, 2013;18(3):261-270.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: None of the quantitative scale for public attitudes toward epilepsy was translated to Chinese language. This study aimed to translate and test the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale. Methods: The translation was performed according to standard principles and tested in 140 Chinese-speaking adults aged more than 18 years for psychometric validation. Results: The items in each domain had similar standard deviations (equal item variance), ranged from 0.85-0.95 in personal domain and 0.75-1.04 in general domain. The correlation between an item and its domain was 0.4 and above for all, and higher than the correlation with the other domain. Multitrait analysis showed the Chinese PATE had a similar variance, floor and ceiling effects, and relative relationship between the domains, as the original PATE. The Chinese PATE scale showed a similar correlation with almost all demographic variable except age. Item means were generally clustered in the factor analysis as hypothesized. The Cronbach’s α values was within acceptable range (0.773) in the personal domain and satisfactory range (0.693) in the general domain. Conclusion: The Chinese PATE scale is a validated and reliable translated version in measuring the public attitudes toward epilepsy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  2. Fulltext Epilepsy stigma in Asia: the meaning and impact of stigma
    Lim, Kheng-Seang, Tan, Chong-Tin
    Neurology Asia, 2014;19(1):1-10.
    MyJurnal
    Stigma is conceptually broad and culturally variable. Understanding stigma from the conceptual theories, culturally application based on the word stigma in other languages, the definition of stigma and its synonyms, as well as the medical implications in other stigmatized disease such as AIDS, will help us to understand the complexity of stigma in epilepsy. This review investigated the meaning and types of stigma from different perspectives, leading to staging stigma into 5 levels, i.e. social identity, stereotype, prejudice, discrimination and social disability. In addition to the conventional categorization of stigma into social, felt, self-perceived or internalized stigma, new categories of stigma i.e. personal and general attitudes towards epilepsy based on a newly developed Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale was introduced. Courtesy stigma was further elaborated in related to Asian culture. Based on well-established and recently developed theories, the causation and impact of epilepsy stigma was discussed in an Asian context, especially from the aspects of language and society values which are culturally specific. Integrating these theories of causation, illness and stereotype perceptions were proposed to be the mediating mechanism of stigma, which led to the development of a practical and multi-dimensional stigmatization model, aiming to guide, widen and deepen the scope of future stigma research in epilepsy. Using the established model, together with review of related studies, research priorities in epilepsy stigma research especially in Asia focusing on five aspects, i.e. expanding population studies especially on significant others, understanding stigma from personal attitude perspective, investigating the cultural and social causation of stigma, and the impacts of stigma on patients as well as the family members, were proposed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  3. Fulltext Attitudes towards the mentally ill patients among a community in Tampoi, Johor, Malaysia, 2012 to 2013
    Siti Zubaidah, S., Norfazilah, A.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(3):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    The attitudes shown by community towards the mentally ill patient can have implications for recovery. To gather robust evidence regarding community attitudes towards people with mental illness, a data collection is required. A cross sectional study was carried out to examine the community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients and its associated factors in Tampoi Town, Johor among 347 respondents. This study was conducted from June 2012 to June 2013. Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill questionnaire was used to examine public attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. Another questionnaire was used to determine media influence and history or experience with the mentally ill patients was administered by a researcher. The community in this town had a positive attitude towards the mentally ill patients. Benevolence attitude which represent the positive attitude has the highest mean score [37.13 (4.18)]. Social Restrictiveness attitude which represent the negative attitude has the lowest mean score [25.42 (4.82)]. Results indicated that race, educational level and previous experience with the mentally ill patients had a significant association with community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. Meanwhile, age, gender, religion, occupation, income and media have no association with community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. These results are expected to help the related parties in conducting various comprehensive and holistic programs or campaign. Specifically, medical social worker should be more sensitive to the public attitude toward the mentally ill patients so that they could recognize the contributing factors on negative attitudes and prevent them.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  4. Introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: prospects and challenges for Malaysia's transition to a low-carbon economy
    Al-Amin AQ, Doberstein B
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Oct;26(30):31062-31076.
    PMID: 31456153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06128-4
    Alternative energy policies targeting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) could have significant positive impacts on Malaysia's ability to meet both its carbon reduction goal and its energy security needs. The transport sector generally contributes heavily to carbon emissions, and is also difficult to decarbonize because of the costs associated with many greener options. This study explores the possibility of decarbonizing the Malaysian transport sector by promoting the use of hydrogen vehicles, and analyzes the adoption challenges and economic obstacles (especially public acceptance) associated with introducing HFCVs. This study contends that the adoption challenges of this new technology can be overcome through the use of development strategies outlined. This study also addresses the regulatory framework that Malaysia (and other countries) might use to overcome common policy adoption challenges of HFCVs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  5. Fulltext A multinational Delphi consensus to end the COVID-19 public health threat
    Lazarus JV, Romero D, Kopka CJ, Karim SA, Abu-Raddad LJ, Almeida G, et al.
    Nature, 2022 Nov;611(7935):332-345.
    PMID: 36329272 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05398-2
    Despite notable scientific and medical advances, broader political, socioeconomic and behavioural factors continue to undercut the response to the COVID-19 pandemic1,2. Here we convened, as part of this Delphi study, a diverse, multidisciplinary panel of 386 academic, health, non-governmental organization, government and other experts in COVID-19 response from 112 countries and territories to recommend specific actions to end this persistent global threat to public health. The panel developed a set of 41 consensus statements and 57 recommendations to governments, health systems, industry and other key stakeholders across six domains: communication; health systems; vaccination; prevention; treatment and care; and inequities. In the wake of nearly three years of fragmented global and national responses, it is instructive to note that three of the highest-ranked recommendations call for the adoption of whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches1, while maintaining proven prevention measures using a vaccines-plus approach2 that employs a range of public health and financial support measures to complement vaccination. Other recommendations with at least 99% combined agreement advise governments and other stakeholders to improve communication, rebuild public trust and engage communities3 in the management of pandemic responses. The findings of the study, which have been further endorsed by 184 organizations globally, include points of unanimous agreement, as well as six recommendations with >5% disagreement, that provide health and social policy actions to address inadequacies in the pandemic response and help to bring this public health threat to an end.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  6. The end of the line: who is most at risk from the crisis in global fisheries?
    Hall SJ, Dugan P, Allison EH, Andrew NL
    Ambio, 2010 Feb;39(1):78-80.
    PMID: 20496655
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  7. Smoking behaviour and associated factors of illicit cigarette consumption in a border province of southern Thailand
    Ketchoo C, Sangthong R, Chongsuvivatwong V, Geater A, McNeil E
    Tob Control, 2013 Jul;22(4):255-60.
    PMID: 22174006 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050008
    BACKGROUND:
    Illicit cigarette consumption has increased worldwide. It is important to understand this problem thoroughly.

    OBJECTIVES:
    To investigate behaviours and factors associated with illicit cigarette consumption in southern Thailand.

    DESIGN:
    A survey and qualitative study were conducted in a border province in southern Thailand next to Malaysia. A modified snowballing technique was used to recruit 300 illicit and 150 non-illicit cigarette smokers. A questionnaire was used to interview subjects. Illicit cigarette packs were obtained in order to identify their characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis.

    RESULTS:
    Smoking of illicit cigarettes has become accepted in the communities. They were available in supermarkets and vendor shops. Friends and other illicit smokers known by illicit cigarette smokers were an important source of information for access to illicit cigarette products. The main factors associated with smoking illicit cigarettes, compared with smoking non-illicit cigarettes, were younger age, higher education and higher average monthly expenditure on cigarettes (most illicit smokers smoked illicit cigarettes (average price per packet = 33 THB (US$1.1), while most non-illicit smokers smoked hand-rolled cigarettes (average price per packet = 7 THB (US$0.2)) and knowledge of other illicit cigarette smokers. The low price of illicit cigarettes was the main reason for their use. Selling strategies included sale of singles, sale in shops and direct sale through social networking.

    CONCLUSIONS:
    Illicit cigarette consumption has become more acceptable especially among young adult smokers. Age and extent of social networks are important factors associated with smoking illicit cigarettes.

    KEYWORDS:
    Smoking behaviour; border province; cessation; cigarette consumption; global health; hand-rolled/RYO tobacco; health services; illegal tobacco products; illicit cigarette
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  8. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy in Asia: toward a uniform study protocol
    Lim SH, Pan A
    Epilepsia, 2005;46 Suppl 1:48-9.
    PMID: 15816980
    Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of epilepsy (KAPE) among the public play a major role in determining the extent to which people with epilepsy can be integrated into their society.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  9. Assessment of health risks and individuals' willingness to participate in drinking water management at flood-prone Pahang River Basin, Malaysia
    Alam L, Rahman LF, Ahmed MF, Bari MA, Masud MM, Mokhtar MB
    Environ Geochem Health, 2021 May;43(5):2049-2063.
    PMID: 33389458 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00783-0
    Rivers, the main source of the domestic water supply in Malaysia, have been threatened by frequent flooding in recent years. This study aims to assess human health risks associated with exposure to concentrated heavy metals in a flood-prone region of Malaysia and investigate the affected individuals' willingness to participate in managing water resources. Hazard indices and cancer risks associated with water contamination by heavy metals have been assessed following the method prescribed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Yearly data of heavy metal contamination (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe), water quality parameters (DO, BOD, COD, pH), and climatic information (annual rainfall, annual temperature) have been collected from the Department of Environment and Meteorological Department of Malaysia, respectively. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique has been used by the department of environment for analyzing heavy metal concentration in river water samples. In this study, data from a stratified random sample of households in the affected region were analyzed, using partial least squares structural equation modeling, to predict the link between individuals' perceptions and attitudes about water resources and their willingness to engage in water management program. The health risk estimation indicated that the hazard index values were below the acceptable limit, representing no non-carcinogenic risk to adults and children residing in the study area via oral intake and dermal adsorption of water. However, the calculated value for cancer risk signified possible carcinogenic risks associated with Pb and Cd. In general, contamination due to pollution and flooding tends to increase in the basin region, and appropriate management is needed. The results identified perceived water quality as a significant factor influencing people's attitudes toward involvement in water management programs. As in many developing countries, there is no legal provision guaranteeing public representation in water management in Malaysia. The conclusion discusses the importance of these for the literature and for informing future policy actions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  10. Validation of the Chinese version of public attitudes toward epilepsy scale in Mainland China
    Yue Z, Ma C, Lim KS, Xiao B, Wu Q, Shu Y, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2017 07;72:150-155.
    PMID: 28582727 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.028
    PURPOSE: Epilepsy is a significant yet seriously underappreciated public health issue in Mainland China. The stigma and discrimination toward people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families are especially severe in China based on cultural misconceptions which cause tremendous psychological, economic and social burdens. It is imperative to formulate a targeted public intervention to eliminate knowledge gaps and correct these misconceptions of epilepsy. However, to date, the essential tools that may drive such an intervention by measuring the public perspective on PWEs is lacking in China. The goal of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Simplified Chinese version of the "Public Attitude Toward Epilepsy" scale (PATE) in Mainland China which can be used to understand the content and identify the possible sources of stigma to better inform the design and focus of future stigma reduction interventions.

    METHODS: The standard procedure of cross-cultural adaptation was used in the translation process. Subjects from different economic and social backgrounds were enrolled by convenience sampling in central China. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to check the underlying factor structure of the items. Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha was utilized to assess internal consistency.

    RESULTS: 199 respondents were included in the final analysis. Content validity of this Chinese PATE was assessed to be adequate for assessing public attitudes toward epilepsy among the mainland Chinese. Two factors were extracted from the data by exploratory factor analysis; confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed good consistency of theoretical constructs between the original Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy scale and our Chinese PATE. Our Chinese PATE presented excellent internal consistency (α=0.853-0.909).

    CONCLUSION: This version of the Chinese PATE showed acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that it can be implemented in surveying public attitudes toward epilepsy in Mainland China.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  11. Fulltext Public perceptions and attitudes toward thalassaemia: Influencing factors in a multi-racial population
    Wong LP, George E, Tan JA
    BMC Public Health, 2011;11:193.
    PMID: 21447191 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-193
    Thalassaemia is a common public health problem in Malaysia and about 4.5 to 6% of the Malays and Chinese are carriers of this genetic disorder. The major forms of thalassaemia result in death in utero of affected foetuses (α-thalassaemia) or life-long blood transfusions for survival in β-thalassaemia. This study, the first nationwide population based survey of thalassaemia in Malaysia, aimed to determine differences in public awareness, perceptions and attitudes toward thalassaemia in the multi-racial population in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  12. Community knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards depression in the state of Penang, Malaysia
    Khan TM, Sulaiman SA, Hassali MA, Anwar M, Wasif G, Khan AH
    Community Ment Health J, 2010 Feb;46(1):87-92.
    PMID: 20146000 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-009-9262-z
    This study was intended to evaluate the mental health literacy vis-à-vis depression among inhabitants of Penang state in North Malaysia. Using a clustered random sampling method, 1,855 respondents were approached to participate in the survey. A total of 1,149 respondents actually participated, for a 61.9% response rate. Face to face interviews were then conducted using a pre-validated 21-item questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 30 years (SD +/-11.5). The majority (n = 884; 76.9%) could recognize three or more symptoms of depression. Chinese and/or female respondents performed the best in this domain. Respondents with a personal experience of depression displayed a significantly better knowledge of symptoms of and therapies for depression than those who did not (t = -35.745, P = <0.001). Overall, a moderate knowledge level of the symptoms of depression and a cursory knowledge towards therapy were observed among the general population in Penang. Notably, respondents were generally inclined towards the use of alternative medicine. The study suggests that strong beliefs in alternative and traditional medicines could undermine the respondents' willingness and ability to seek evidence-based mental health care.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  13. Mitigation of COVID-19 Risk Among Older Adults in Nursing Homes: A Public Survey
    Lee WL, DeWitt D, Chui PL, Sahibudeen AKS, Nurumal MS, Chinna K, et al.
    J Gerontol Nurs, 2021 Mar 01;47(3):23-28.
    PMID: 33626161 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20210209-04
    The current study examines the public's perception on the mitigation of COVID-19 risk and knowledge of disease symptoms among older adults in nursing homes, with the intention to address gaps in knowledge using mobile technologies. An online survey questionnaire was completed by 611 adults residing in Malaysia. The four domains, derived from factor analysis, affirmed the supportive perception among the public (score range = 4.42 to 4.64/5.0). However, among the gaps identified were the perception toward hand sanitizing and susceptibility of older adults to COVID-19. Public knowledge on symptoms of COVID-19 was limited (e.g., 41.4% to 53.4% incorrect responses to anosmia, diarrhea, confusion). Multivariate analysis of variance found that males and participants with less education had significantly lower supportive perceptions (p < 0.05). With >86% of participants having access to internet communication technology, mobile interventions tailored to gender and educational level are recommended to promote long-term pandemic preparedness among stakeholders and the public. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(3), 23-28.].
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  14. Fulltext Public awareness and support for environmental protection-A focus on air pollution in peninsular Malaysia
    Chin YSJ, De Pretto L, Thuppil V, Ashfold MJ
    PLoS One, 2019;14(3):e0212206.
    PMID: 30870439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212206
    As in many nations, air pollution linked to rapid industrialization is a public health and environmental concern in Malaysia, especially in cities. Understanding awareness of air pollution and support for environmental protection from the general public is essential for informing governmental approaches to dealing with this problem. This study presents a cross-sectional survey conducted in the Klang Valley and Iskandar conurbations to examine urban Malaysians' perception, awareness and opinions of air pollution. The survey was conducted in two languages, English and Malay, and administered through the online survey research software, Qualtrics. The survey consisted of three sections, where we collected sociodemographic information, information on the public perception of air quality and the causes of air pollution, information on public awareness of air pollution and its related impacts, and information on attitudes towards environmental protection. Of 214 respondents, over 60% were positive towards the air quality at both study sites despite the presence of harmful levels of air pollution. The air in the Klang Valley was perceived to be slightly more polluted and causing greater health issues. Overall, the majority of respondents were aware that motor vehicles represent the primary pollution source, yet private transport was still the preferred choice of transportation mode. A generally positive approach towards environmental protection emerged from the data. However, participants showed stronger agreement with protection actions that do not involve individual effort. Nonetheless, we found that certain segments of the sample (people owning more than three vehicles per household and those with relatives who suffered from respiratory diseases) were significantly more willing to personally pay for environmental protection compared to others. Implications point to the need for actions for spreading awareness of air pollution to the overall population, especially with regards to its health risks, as well as strategies for increasing the perception of behavioural control, especially with regards to motor vehicles' usage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  15. Indonesian Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale: Translation and psychometric evaluation
    Chia ZJ, Jehosua SY, Lim KS, Khosama H, Hamid DH, Fong SL, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2020 02;103(Pt A):106833.
    PMID: 31839499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106833
    INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy stigma has been associated with poor quality of life among people with epilepsy (PWE). It is important to understand the variation and degree of epilepsy stigma in one of the most populous and culturally diverse nations in the world, Indonesia. Hence, this study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale.

    METHOD: The translation was performed according to standard principles and tested in 200 native Indonesian speakers who were aged above 18-year-old for psychometric validation.

    RESULTS: The items in each domain had similar means and standard deviations (equal item variance), means ranging from 2.17 to 2.86 in general domain and 2.75 to 3.56 in personal domain and, standard deviations ranging from 0.87 to 1.05 and 0.88 to 1.01 in general and personal domain, respectively. Item-domain correlations were more than 0.5 for all items, and they correlate higher within their own domain compare with the other domain (convergent and divergent validity). Multitrait analysis showed similar variance, floor, and ceiling patterns to a great extent compared with the initial study. The Indonesian PATE scale also showed mostly similar correlation with demographic characteristics except monthly income. Principle axis analysis revealed strong factor loading (>0.3) in their hypothesized domain, except item 14. The Cronbach's α values for general and personal domains were 0.836 and 0.765, which were within the accepted range of 0.7 to 0.9.

    CONCLUSION: The Indonesian PATE scale is a validated and reliable translation for measuring public attitudes toward epilepsy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  16. Managing dental fear and anxiety in pediatric patients: A qualitative study from the public's perspective
    Hamzah HS, Gao X, Yung Yiu CK, McGrath C, King NM
    Pediatr Dent, 2014 Jan-Feb;36(1):29-33.
    PMID: 24717706
    PURPOSE:
    Internet social media offers a rich source for soliciting the public's views on health issues. This qualitative research, using You-Tube as a platform, aimed to explore the public's perspectives on management of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in pediatric patients.

    METHODS:
    Using three keywords ("dental fear," "dental phobia," and "dental anxiety"), YouTube videos were searched. Twenty-seven videos related to DFA in children and adolescents were reviewed by three investigators, including a nondental layperson. Inductive thematic analysis was adopted for interpreting the data.

    RESULTS:
    Several strategies were considered useful for controlling DFA in pediatric patients, including: verbal and nonverbal communication to establish closeness and effective guidance (explanation, permission-seeking, reassurance, and negotiation); desensitization to dental settings and procedures; tell-show-do; positive reinforcement; distraction by imagination and thoughtful designs of clinic; and parental presence and support. Some self-coping strategies adopted by patients alleviated their DFA, such as self-reasoning and trust-building through long-term connection. Dentists' clinical competence, favorable treatment outcomes, and state-of-the-art devices and technologies (dental lasers, intraoral camera, and adapted anaesthesia method) contributed to reducing DFA.

    CONCLUSIONS:
    Authentic testimonials in YouTube videos endorsed and interpreted a variety of strategies adoptable by patients, parents, and dental professionals for managing children's and adolescents' dental fears and anxieties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion*
  17. Public stigma towards patients with schizophrenia of ethnic Malay: a comparison between the general public and patients' relatives
    Razali SM, Ismail Z
    J Ment Health, 2014 Aug;23(4):176-80.
    PMID: 24784779 DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.910644
    The stigma attached to mental disorders has been recognized as a major concern in healthcare services across societies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  18. Fulltext Turkish health system reform from the people's perspective: a cross sectional study
    Ali Jadoo SA, Aljunid SM, Sulku SN, Nur AM
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2014;14:30.
    PMID: 24447374 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-30
    Since 2003, Turkey has implemented major health care reforms to develop easily accessible, high-quality, efficient, and effective healthcare services for the population. The purpose of this study was to bring out opinions of the Turkish people on health system reform process, focusing on several aspects of health system and assessing whether the public prefer the current health system or that provided a decade ago.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  19. Letting the bugs out of the bag
    Nature, 2011 Feb 10;470(7333):139.
    PMID: 21307891 DOI: 10.1038/470139a
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
  20. Public awareness and knowledge of herpes zoster: results of a global survey
    Paek E, Johnson R
    Gerontology, 2010;56(1):20-31.
    PMID: 19776543 DOI: 10.1159/000240046
    BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ), the reactivation of varicella zoster virus, occurs in 1 in 5 people worldwide and may result in a variety of complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Treatment of patients with HZ represents a considerable challenge, especially among the elderly who are prone to get a more severe form of the disease and its complications. Since May 2006, a vaccine was approved for the prevention of HZ or PHN among individuals aged 50 or 60 years and older.
    OBJECTIVE: Since the success of any new vaccine initiative depends on public awareness of the disease, we conducted the HZ Global Awareness Survey to gauge existing levels of awareness and knowledge of HZ.
    METHODS: The survey was conducted by telephone or face-to-face among 8,688 adults >OR=50 years of age in 22 countries between December 2006 and January 2007 and addressed awareness, knowledge, symptoms, and treatment of HZ.
    RESULTS: Wide variation in HZ awareness was noted among countries. In some countries (New Zealand, Brazil, and Malaysia) nearly all individuals surveyed (97-100%) over the age of 50 years had heard of HZ. In contrast, less than 20% of individuals surveyed were aware of HZ in Turkey, India and Chile. The survey revealed almost universally poor knowledge of the causes and symptoms of HZ. Only 3% of respondents mentioned chicken pox as the cause of the disease. The majority of respondents were unaware of their risk of HZ, with 71% considering themselves unlikely or very unlikely to develop HZ. The survey also revealed that those respondents with prior HZ experience were much more likely to consider pain as the worst symptom of the disease than those without prior HZ experience. The misconception of HZ-related morbidity among individuals with no first-hand experience of the disease highlights the global educational need to raise awareness of the seriousness of HZ and its potential long-term complications.
    CONCLUSIONS: This survey suggests a population-wide effort to improve global awareness of HZ would be required for a successful vaccine initiative. Further studies would be required to understand regional differences in the understanding of HZ.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Opinion
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