Introduction:

The first Cuban program for prevention of genetic diseases and defects was started when the mother and child care program achieved an optimal status in the year 1981.

Objective:

Broaden knowledge about preconception genetic risk among the nursing personnel.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted based on an educational intervention in nursing at José Martí Pérez University Polyclinic. The study aimed to identify preconception genetic risks in Santiago de Cuba during the second semester of 2017. The study universe was the physical payroll of the institution (150 nurses), of whom 34 from Basic Work Team (BWT) No. 1 were selected by convenience sampling. The evaluation tool was applied to identify learning gaps related to genetic risks. Next, a training program was designed and applied. Participants in the study were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results:

A predominance was found of general nurses of over 50 years' experience with poor pre-intervention knowledge about the factors involved in preconception genetic risks and the moment when such risks occur, or about prenatal and newborn risks and common diseases.

Conclusions:

Upon application of the intervention strategy, knowledge about preconception genetic risk was broadened among some members of the sample, who incorporated the newly-acquired information into the various community care activities and processes.

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