Nurses’ Awareness Regarding Zika Virus in Beni-Suef Governorate
Research Abstract
Background: Some studies had linked Zika virus infection to congenital neurological malformation as microcephaly. Aim: Aim of the study is to assess the awareness and knowledge orientation of outpatient nurses about effects of Zika virus on the pregnancy and birth outcome in governmental Hospitals in Beni-Suef Governorate. Subjects & Methods: Quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study. A purposive sampling of 131 nurses was working at antenatal, obstetric and gynecological inpatient ward, outpatient and MCH clinics Beni- Suef City, during the period of the study. Results: clarifies that more than half of women (59.5%) were not oriented by Zika virus, 65.0% reported that insect bite is the main mode of disease transmission. unfortunately, 69.5% of nurses didn’t know that Zika virus affecting the baby. In addition, 65.7% didn’t know that it can affect the pregnancy outcome, 32.9% of nurses reported that environmental sanitation is the main method of prophylactic measure,35.2% of nurses reported that bed rest is the best method of symptomatic treatment, 64% of nurses had good knowledge about Zika virus, there is a significant relation (<0.001) only were found between nurses age, education, and pregnancy status and their knowledge regarding Zika virus and nurses’ knowledge regarding Zika virus were improved. A significant relation was found (<0.001). Conclusion: Almost nurses were not oriented to Zika virus and had poor knowledge score. They didn’t know the main mode of disease transmission, didn’t know that Zika virus may affect their pregnancy outcome. Younger age, better education, and pregnant nurses were more knowledgeable comparing with older, lower educational level and non-pregnant ones. Recommendations: implement health education program to increase awareness of the nurses working in outpatient clinic about Zika Virus and its effects on pregnant women and birth outcome.
Research Keywords
Zika virus, Awareness, Beni-Suef