Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational program on Monkeypox knowledge among elderly individuals residing at an old age home in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: With a one-group pretest-posttest design, the study spanned from September 24, 2023, to December 2, 2023. A sample of 50 participants aged 60 and above received a structured teaching program tailored to their comprehension levels.
Results: Demographically, the participants exhibited diverse backgrounds, with a majority having completed secondary education, and a significant prevalence of chronic diseases. Health professionals were the primary source of health-related information for the elderly. The educational intervention led to a substantial improvement in Monkeypox knowledge, with significant increases in correct responses observed in the post-test compared to the pretest.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the efficacy of tailored health education programs for enhancing knowledge among the elderly, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare providers in disseminating accurate health information.

Key words: Monkeypox Virus; Elderly; Saudi Arabia; Educational Intervention Program; Knowledge; Geriatric; Health Education; Mpox