Women's health care: implications for health education

This project entails a study of the general need for health education among women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Included within the study is a review of the literature, a field observation study, a women's health education needs/interests assessment survey, and the development of a women's health education program. The community and target population of women living in the San Fernando Valley, California was chosen for the application of the field observation study, the women's health education needs/interests assessment survey, and implementation of the Women's Health Education Program. Five areas in which there was a felt need for health education were identified by a representative sample (N=42) of the target population. The five major women's health problems were as follows: (l) drug and alcohol abuse by women, (2) vaginitis, {3) venereal disease, (4) abortion procedures and services, and (5) cancer in women. A Women's Health Education Program comprised of three major educational components was developed. The overall goal of the program was to reduce the incidence and prevalence of the five identified major women's health problems through the institution of four health education seminars, a health referral and library service, and the initiation of a women's health education· core group. An additional goal of the program was to demonstrate both the importance and usefulness of health education among women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Specific measurable objectives were developed for the purpose of program implementation and evaluation. Further description of the program including a presentation and discussion of the evaluative findings in addition to a list of recommendations for future programs are provided within.