Effect of Instructional Guidelines on pregnant women's knowledge and Self-Care Practice regarding MonkeyPox Virus Infection

Background: Monkey-pox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Although monkeypox existed and declined in the past, its re-emergence is simultaneous with the rise in cases recently.Aim: To evaluate the effect of instructional guidelines on pregnant women’s knowledge and self-care practice regarding monkey pox virus infection.Method:A quasi-experimental study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 150 women, was attended at antenatal unitsof El-Fayoum general hospital and university hospital.Datawere collected using three tools:structured interviewing questionnaire, pregnant women’s knowledge,and pregnant women’s self-care practices. Results: The results of the present study revealed that all pregnant women reported feeling more confident in protecting themselves against monkeypox after receiving the instructional guidelines. While more than two-fifth of the participants understanding symptoms nearly one third learning preventive measures and more than one quarter of the women knowing when to seek medical help.Conclusion: there was a highly significant improvement in both knowledge and practicesfollowing the implementation of instructional guidelinesRecommendations:Integrate health education programs on emerging infectious diseases including monkeypox into routine antenatal care services,conduct continuous training programs for nurses and midwifes to improve their communication and educational skills when dealing with pregnant women.