Community-based research to explore safer sex behaviors among women: implications for CNS practice

This article illustrates how data from community-based surveys can be used to inform clinical nurse specialist (CNS) practice and ultimately influence patient care related to sex behaviors.

Clinical nurse specialists design, implement, and evaluate research to develop specific prevention and intervention strategies for populations. Much of this research is conducted in the tertiary setting although many of the interventions are carried out in the community setting.

A sample of rural women (N = 578) participated in a community-based survey to determine characteristics which influence safer sex behaviors.

Results of the survey suggest that age, education, and relationship status influence safer sex behaviors. Women in the community tended to believe that safer sex behaviors were linked to pregnancy prevention and lacked understanding about the importance of safer sex behaviors to prevent sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

The findings of this study can inform CNSs about sex behaviors among women in a selected community, translating community-based research into evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Results from community-based research can be used to develop educational and prevention programs, and interventions for specialty populations.