Date of Award

Fall 2020

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Cathy Hughes

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Lisa Morgan

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common issue among sexually active Americans. In 2018, 1,758,668 cases of chlamydia and 583,405 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2018). Women aged 15-24 years old make up 44% of the reported cases of chlamydia in the United States (CDC, 2018). This age group is also at the greatest risk of complications from the disease such as fertility issues, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and ectopic pregnancy (CDC, 2018). Of the CDC’s reported instances of STIs, 2,086 cases of chlamydia, and 583,405 cases of gonorrhea were in Mississippi. Education is vital to reducing the number of cases of these infections in our state (CDC, 2018).

Five women were diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea during the three-week testing period. The women who participated in this project showed an increased level of knowledge regarding chlamydia and gonorrhea. The number of questions answered correctly on the post-test survey increased by 22.2% to 36.9% when compared to all five women’s pre-test surveys. They also displayed an increased level of confidence regarding their knowledge of chlamydia and gonorrhea based on their pre-test and post-test scores. Using a specific tool to guide the education of women diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea was beneficial in increasing the patients’ knowledge. Educating these women increased their knowledge and perception of their knowledge.

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