Effectiveness of Environmental Health Education in Nursing.

Abstract

Alteration of ecosystem produces harmful effects to human's health. Hence, health care providers must be prepared in handling environment related health problems. Unfortunately, the largest working force in the health care system, the nurses, feel inadequate and unprepares to address environmental health issues due to poor or lack of educational preparation. The objective of this study were to explore the knowledge and awareness level of practicing nurses and to assess if the developed environmental health (EH) educational tool was effective. By determining the effectiveness of the environmental health education, we can assess if there is a need for the integration of EH in the nursing subjects in the present nursing curricula and or supplement the practicing nurses with training workshops or even short courses that can be done onsite or on-line. Barriers and facilitators to address incorporation of EH in the nursing practice were also identified. Covenient sampling method and a multi-mode (Web and pencil/paper) survey were used to collect data from nurses working in selected hospitals and clinics. Out of 130 invitations, only 83 participated (64% response) in the pre-test; and only 72 (55%) completed the post-test. A 15-item multiple choice questionnaire to assess knowledge level and a 15-item (5 point Lickert Scale) questionnaire to assess awareness level were administered 2 times, before and after the administration of the environmental health educational tool. Additional set of survey questions about barriers and facilitators was also administered during the post-test. The present study revealed that during the assessment/ diagnostic phase, the surveyed nurseshas a low knowledge level (50.38%) and less satisfactory awareness level (71.47%) on Environmental Health issues. Howver, after the implementation of the educational intervention, posttest scores demonstrated significant increase in knowledge (83.87%) and awareness (80.52%) levels. The frequently listed barriers were: a) time limitations and restrictions b) lack of readily available resources and c) personal lack of knowledge on EH. And the frequently listed facilitators were: a) a decrease in my overall work load, b) free or inexpensive continuing education programs and c) support from physicians to assess and intervene related to environmental health risks.