Impact of Nurse-Led Education on Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors Related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major global public health challenge, with the World Health Organization reporting over one million new cases daily and 374 million curable cases annually. These infections can result in infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increased HIV transmission, while also imposing psychological and social burdens. Despite effective preventive measures, knowledge gaps and inconsistent adoption of safe practices persist, particularly in developing countries where stigma and limited healthcare infrastructure impede progress. Nurse-led educational interventions have shown promise in improving sexual health knowledge and behaviors across various contexts. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention in improving knowledge and preventive behaviors related to STIs among married women in Pakistan. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was employed at a Basic Health Unit in Pakistan between January and June 2024. Thirty married women aged 18 years and above were randomly selected to participate. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge and preventive practices before and one week after a standardized nurse-led education session. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and effect size calculations, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Baseline scores indicated low knowledge and preventive behaviors (mean = 18.1, SD = 1.8), which improved markedly after the intervention (mean = 35.5, SD = 2.2). The mean difference of -17.40 (95% CI: -18.43 to -16.37) was highly significant (t = -35.21, df = 29, p < 0.001). Effect size estimates were large (Cohen’s d = 3.25; Hedges’ g = 3.34), confirming the robustness of the intervention effect. Conclusion: Nurse-led educational interventions significantly enhance STI knowledge and preventive behaviors, demonstrating their potential as scalable, culturally adaptable strategies for public health promotion. Integration of structured sexual health education into nursing curricula and community programs is recommended to reduce the STI burden in high-risk populations.