EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ABOUT GENETIC DISORDERS ON KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEFS OF HIGH RISK WOMEN

Genetic disorders and congenital anomalies are rapidly becoming a major public health concern in Egypt. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational program about genetic disorders on knowledge and beliefs of high risk women. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to fit the aim of the study. The study was conducted at family health center of Bani Mohamed village, Assuit governorate, Upper Egypt region. A purposive sample of 44 women who are at risk for developing genetic disorders were included in the study. Data were collected using the following tools: 1- Structured interviewing knowledge questionnaire 2- Health Beliefs Assessment Tool. The study revealed that, a highly statistically significant difference between total knowledge scores and total health belief scores among women in pre, post and follow up test. The women's total knowledge scores was increased in post and follows up test compared to pre test and women's total health belief scores was increased and they had positive beliefs in post and follows up test compared to pre test. The study results concluded that, there was an improvement in the knowledge and health beliefs to prevent genetic disorders among women after program implementation which emphasized that educational program have significant positive effect on increasing knowledge and beliefs of women about genetic disorders prevention