Effect of Preventive Program on Mothers' Knowledge and Self-Reported Practices regarding Monkey pox Infection among Children

Background: Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic illness produced by the monkeypox virus, that relates to Poxviridae family. Its symptoms tightly mimic those of smallpox. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a preventive program on mothers’ knowledge and self-reported practices regarding monkeypox infection among children. Research design: A one group quasi (pre/post- test) experimental design was used to conduct this research. Setting: This research was conducted at out- patient chest unit at Minia University Children's Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample included 65 mothers was used. Tools: Two tools were used. Tool I: A Structured interview questionnaire.Part1: Socio-demographic data of mothers. Part 2: Mothers' knowledge assessment sheet about Monkeypox infection. Tool II: Mothers' self-reported practices assessment sheet related to preventive measures for monkey pox infection. Results: The Current study results revealed that; 92.3% of the mothers had poor level of knowledge about monkey pox infection at pre-program compared to 58.5% and 38.5% of the mothers demonstrated good and fair level of knowledge respectively at post-program .On the other hand for 24% of mothers had adequate level of self-reported practices at pre-program compared to all of them at post-program. Conclusion: The preventive program about monkey pox infection was effective in improving mothers' knowledge and self-reported practices as the overall levels of knowledge and self-reported practices increased from pre-program to post-program. Recommendations: Hospitals should be provided with printed booklet and brochures about monkey pox infection and its preventive measures to educate mothers and caregivers.