Integrated Intervention Program for Pregnant Women Toward ZIKΑ Virus Infection in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: ZIKА infection may have long-term effects on reproductive health in addition to the neurological consequence in newborns. So, Awareness regarding ZIKА virus among pregnant women is important to take preventive measures. Aim: Evaluate the effect of integrated intervention guidelines on knowledge, self-reported practice of pregnant women toward ZIKА virus infection. Design: А quantitative quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest). Settings: The study was conducted at Obstetrics and gynecologic outpatient clinics at Fayoum University Hospital. Subjects: А convenient conducted among 240 pregnant women, assigned to 120 women in the control group, and 120 women in the study group. Two tools were used for data collection after reviewing relevant data; Tool I was а self-administered questionnaire to assess personal and obstetric characteristics of pregnant women, and their knowledge related ZIKА virus. Tool II was а self-reported practice questionnaire concerning self-protective measures regarding the prevention of ZIKА virus. Results: The results of this study showed that the majority of pregnant women wаs poor score level of knowledge and practice pre-intervention in both control and study group, however, there was an improvement of score level of knowledge and practice in the study group than control group post-intervention. Highly statistical significance was founded between control and study groups related to knowledge and practice. Positive significance correlation between pregnant women knowledge and practice score level post intervention in study group. Conclusion: The integrated intervention guideline improved pregnant women knowledge and practices. Recommendations: Continued efforts to close knowledge gaps, raise awareness and promote favorable attitudes toward ZIKА virus. Awareness about ZIKА virus infection should be ensured and maintained among all members of community, increased the prevention campaigns to improve community awareness of the seriousness of the disease, especially in rural areas.