European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: A home-based intervention is a promising approach for early intervention about HAV that aims at improving mothers-child outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of home based intervention on improving mothers' perception about Hepatitis A virus. Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental (pre-post) design was utilized. Subjects: A multi stage random sample of 360 mothers through home visits in Shranees village, Quesna district at Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Instruments: 1) Hepatitis A virus Interview Questionnaire to assess socio- demographic data and mother's perception of hepatitis A virus which included mothers' knowledge about hepatitis A virus and mothers' practices about HAV and 2) Observational checklist to assess home environment and to assess home feeding environment. Results: It was revealed that there was improvement in total knowledge post intervention than pre intervention (14.60±5.53, 10.13±5.50) respectively and there was a change in knowledge in the study group than control group at post intervention (4.48±5.16, 0.17±0.96) respectively. There was improvement in total practice post intervention than pre intervention (3.94±1.17, 2.98 ±1.90) respectively and there was a change in practice in the study group than control group at post intervention (0.97±1.34, 0.13±2.37) respectively. Conclusion: the present study revealed that application of home based intervention proved to be effective in raising the women's perception regarding Hepatitis A. Hence, it can lead to improving knowledge and practice. Recommendations: health educational programs should be launched to nursery workers, school workers and women in rural areas about infectious diseases. Also, it was recommended vaccination against hepatitis A for children at the preschool and school period.