Knowledge on chicken pox virus and its vaccination among students of selected schools in Batticaloa Educational Zone

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.