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Saudi Toxicology Journal

Keywords

Meningococcal Disease, Meningitis, Vaccination, Knowledge, Attitude, Saudi Arabia, Public Health

Document Type

Case Report

Abstract

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) remains a life-threatening infection associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity. Effective vaccines are available but meningococcal vaccination in Saudi Arabia is not mandatory outside specific high-risk groups. Public knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) toward IMD and its vaccination play a pivotal role in disease prevention and vaccine uptake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 382 residents of Saudi Arabia between July and August 2024 using a validated, Arabictranslated questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of IMD, attitudes toward vaccination, vaccination behaviors and sources of information. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥2) or poor (<2). Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Results: Most participants we` re male (90.3%), Saudi nationals (94.2%), students (71.2%) and residents of Mecca (98.7%), with a mean age of 23.9 ± 8.2 years. Good knowledge of IMD was observed in 71.7% of respondents; however, misconceptions regarding disease transmission were prevalent, with 63.1% incorrectly identifying insects as the main transmission route. Although 86.6% expressed willingness to receive the meningococcal vaccine, only 51.8% were aware of vaccine availability. Age, occupation, education level and nationality were significant predictors of knowledge, while occupation was the only significant predictor of vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: Despite generally favorable attitudes toward meningococcal vaccination, substantial knowledge gaps and misinformation persist. Healthcare providers and digital platforms represent critical channels for targeted public health education. Strengthening awareness strategies may enhance vaccine uptake and support national and global meningitis elimination goals. Keywords: Meningococcal Disease, Meningitis, Vaccination, Knowledge, Attitude, Saudi Arabia, Public Health.

Publisher

Saudi Toxicology Society

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70957/uqu.edu.sa/s.toxicology.s/stj.2025.1.3.7

January 2026

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