The role of community health nurses in family health education at home in a southern province of Iran (Fars)

Abstract

This study identifies some aspects of utilization and performance of community health nurses in relation to Iranian health priorities in 1975. The health priorities at that time were to reduce child mortality and excessive fertility. The Fars province, where the survey was conducted, is composed of urban dwellers, rural villagers, and nomadic tribesmen. 93 households were visited by 10 community health nurses; 684 people were recorded as members of the households. 23.7% were under age 5; 42.1% were under age 15. The 3 topics discussed were care of infants and children, personal health of the mothers, and environmental health. Immunization (63.4%), breast-feeding (46.2%), and family planning (40.9%) were the most frequently discussed topics, among those concerned with child care. Topics concerned with health of mother were discussed 89.2% of the time; care of pregnant women was discussed 45%. Environmental topics were 47.3% drinking water; 68.8% cleanliness of the house, and 31.2% disposal of human wastes. The study is limited in that only the opinions of the community health nurses were recorded as they administered the questionnaire. Evaluations of the nurses were not sought from the residents. Face-to-face teaching in the privacy of the home seems an excellent environment for imparting health care information.