Date of Award

Spring 6-7-2024

Scholarly Projects

Projects: SPU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Virginia Abeyta

Faculty Reader

None

Faculty Reader

None

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Title: Evaluation of a Holistic Sexual Health Education Program for Christian Women: A Pilot Study

Background and Significance: Americans are constantly exposed to images and messages dictating societal norms for sexuality, often resulting in false narratives, pressure, and unattainable expectations that can carry detrimental impacts. Sexual health is integral both to individual lives and community well-being and encompasses far more than the mere absence of disease or sexual dysfunction (Ford et al., 2013; Minnesota Department of Health, 2019; National Prevention Council, 2011). Recognized as a pressing public health concern, the repercussions of compromised sexual health extend to numerous facets of life, contributing to relational, emotional, physical, spiritual, and psychological challenges (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010; Satcher, 2001). While many individuals navigate life without sexual function issues, a substantial number contend with sexual dysfunction – often expressed as low sexual desire, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Women often face a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with studies suggesting that 40%-65% will experience some form of sexual dysfunction in their lifetime (Laumann et al., 1999; McCool-Myers et al., 2018). Notably, Christian women are identified as being particularly at risk for diminished sexual health, encountering pressure and shame rooted in religious teachings, which contribute to dysfunction and decreased sexual quality of life (Estrada, 2022; Hach & Roberts-Dobie, 2016). Proactive interventions, such as comprehensive sexual health education programs, are vital to addressing these issues and fostering holistic well-being for Christian women.

Purpose: The purpose of this DNP project was twofold. The first was to evaluate a new holistic sexual health curriculum created specifically for Christian women. The secondary purpose was to assess the effectiveness of this curriculum in increasing participants’ knowledge and confidence around sexual health.

Methods: This project utilized a single course evaluation after completion of the program to assess the efficacy of the curriculum. Volunteer participants were recruited from a community based in a city in Washington and from posts on the researcher’s social media accounts. The study's inclusion criteria required participants to be Christian women aged 18 and above. A total of 21 participants were in this study. The four-week program comprised weekly sessions, each featuring a one-hour educational presentation and an optional small group discussion afterwards. The class and discussions were held in a community space within the city, with a Zoom link provided for those that were unavailable to attend in person. Each session was recorded and made available to all participants for further review. After the final session, an anonymous Google Forms post-program evaluation – consisting of twenty questions that utilized a five-point Likert scale, multiple choice, and short answers – was sent to each of the participants for completion. The primary researcher collected and analyzed survey results to assess program implementation.

Results: The results revealed a robust 90.5% completion rate for the course evaluation survey. Participants, displaying a strong interest in holistic sexual health, exhibited positive outcomes, including increased confidence in using anatomical terminology and enhanced comfort discussing sexual matters with partners. The program earned unanimous satisfaction, with 79% expressing a desire for further education and all participants deeming it well-organized and a valuable use of time. However, 58% noted an information overload, suggesting areas for improvement. Qualitative feedback underscored the program's empowering impact, helping to dismantle stigma and foster open discussions. Participants praised the engaging and respectful presentation, with numerous requests for similar classes in the future. Overall, the study results suggest that this program effectively addresses the gap for a sexual health education program for Christian women, garnering enthusiasm and positive feedback for its potential in future implementations.

Sustainability: Due to the favorable outcomes and overwhelmingly positive participant feedback, the primary investigator plans to relaunch the program, exploring potential expansion to different Christian communities for curriculum refinement. Once refined, the updated curriculum, including recorded educational materials and discussion questions, will be publicly available on a website. While specific logistics such as group breakout sessions are pending, accessibility for churches, small groups, and individuals will be prioritized. The decision on program costs is yet to be determined, aiming to balance accessibility with sustainability.

Implications for Practice: The program evaluation has two key implications. Firstly, the successful pilot program is targeting publication in sexual health journals, aiming to fill a notable gap in literature on sexual health programs for Christian women and inspire further research in this area. Secondly, recognizing sexual health as a public concern and the importance of increased access to sexual health education, the primary investigator plans to make the curriculum material widely accessible through an online platform. The adaptable design will accommodate both group settings, such as women's retreats or church programs, and individual use outside of a church context.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). A public health approach for advancing sexual health in the United States: Rationale and options for implementation, final meeting report—2011. https://www.cdc.gov/sexualhealth/docs/sexualhealthreport-2011-508.pdf

Estrada, L. L. (2022). Clinical considerations of the evangelical purity movement’s impact on female sexuality. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 48(2), 121–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.197777445

Ford, J. V., Barnes, R., Rompalo, A., & Hook III, E. W. (2013). Sexual health training and education in the U.S. Public Health Reports, 128, 96–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549131282S111

Hach, A., & Roberts-Dobie, S. (2016). ‘Give us the words’: Protestant faith leaders and sexuality education in their churches. Sex Education, 16(6), 619–633. https://doi-org.ezproxy.spu.edu/10.1080/14681811.2016.1151778

Laumann, E. O., Paik, A., & Rosen, R. C. (1999). Sexual dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and predictors. JAMA, 281(6), 537–544. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.281.6.537

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Female sexual dysfunction - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptom-cuases/syc-20372549

McCool-Myers, M., Theurich, M., Zuelke, A., Knuettel, H., & Apfelbacher, C. (2018). Predictors of female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and qualitative analysis through gender inequality paradigms. BMC Women’s Health, 18(1), N.PAG-N.PAG. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0602-4

Minnesota Department of Health. (2019). Sexual health promotion. https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/sexualhealth/sexualityedfs.pdf

National Prevention Council. (2011). National Prevention Strategy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/disease-prevention-wellness-report.pdf

Satcher D. (2001). The Surgeon General’s call to action to promote sexual health and responsible sexual behavior. American Journal of Health Education, 32(6), 356–368. https://doi-org.ezproxy.spu.edu/10.1080/19325037.2001.10603498

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