Abstract:
Background:
Chickenpox is a highly communicable, notifiable primary infection caused by varicella
zoster virus. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. We have assessed
the awareness about both VZV infection and vaccination through our study among
Advanced level students. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge
and attitude of advanced level students regarding varicella zoster and varicella
vaccination. Methodology:
We studied 249 A/L students over a period of one year in Batticaloa educational zone.
The knowledge and attitude were assessed using self-administered questionnaire.
According to the points obtained the students were classified into three groups namely
Good , Moderate and Poor on Varicella. Results:
1 70(68%) students have Average knowledge, 72(29%) students have Poor knowledge
7 (3%) students have Good knowledge.Conclusion:
The awareness and vaccination status of varicella among students were low. Varicella
awareness programs should be held in schools to educate students on methods of
prevention of this serious disease.
