Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? The global incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) in the general population is 3-5 cases per 1,000 person-years, with the Asia-Pacific region reporting 3-10 cases per 1,000 person-years. This rate has been rising annually by 2.5%-5.0% and is high among older adults. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? In 2024, the China Family Panel Study - covering a nationwide sample of 21,750 adults (≥16 years) across 25 provincial-level administrative divisions and cities (PLADs) in China - identified 813 cases of HZ. Among these 813 patients, 28.78% reported unmet outpatient care needs, and 36.36% had unmet inpatient care needs. The main factors associated with unmet healthcare needs were age and place of residence. Older adults demonstrated significantly low unmet outpatient needs, whereas urban residents experienced higher levels of unmet inpatient needs. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? These findings highlight the need to advance equity and effectiveness of healthcare services for HZ patients. Strategic investments in health literacy and workforce development are essential to ensure that provider competencies align with community health needs.