Prevention of risky sexual behavior in primary healthcare: a best practice implementation project

JBI Evid Implement. 2023 Jul 22. doi: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000382. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Sexually transmitted infections are a public health problem affecting 45% of adolescents and young adults worldwide. The evidence suggests that primary care settings are uniquely positioned to provide an opportunity for these preventive interventions. The aim of this project is to improve nurses' interventions for preventing risky sexual behaviors in adolescents attending nursing consultations in a primary healthcare unit.

Methods: An audit and feedback were conducted by the JBI Model and Implementation Framework. Five audit criteria representing best practice recommendations for preventing risky sexual behaviors in adolescents were used. Barriers to compliance with the best practices were identified, and strategies were adopted to overcome them. A follow-up audit was conducted using the same approach as the baseline audit.

Results: Compliance rates improved in four criteria from baseline audit to follow-up audit.

Conclusion: Through auditing and feedback, evidence-based interventions were implemented to prevent sexual risk behavior in adolescents in primary care settings. Further best practice implementation projects should be conducted to improve adolescent health outcomes.