| Community-based health promotion (CBHP) is recognized as one of the most important components in reducing morbidity and mortality and schools of nursing (SON) represent a valuable resource for CBHP, but there has been limited research on the participation of local SON in community-based research and practice. This study explored the involvement of SON in one metropolitan area. The research questions focused on the familiarity of SON faculty and community members with methods for CBHP, including community-based participatory research (CBPR). The theoretical base for this study included the transcultural theory of nursing that focuses on development of the participatory nurse-client relationship and improvement of patient health outcomes. A qualitative approach was used with a web-based survey and personal interviews of local SON faculty and community members. Collected data were analyzed, highlighting trends and the presence or absence of themes using NVIVO software. Results showed Chicago metropolitan SON participate in few CBHP and CBPR activities due to barriers related to cost of personnel, time, and curriculum design. Lack of practical opportunities can impact a student's understanding of community-health concepts and undermines the social responsibility concept of the profession. The implications for social change include transforming the lives of community-based populations by engaging local SON in CBHP and CBPR. This can offer a mutually beneficial, cost effective way of educating students, collaborating with community partners, improving the efforts of health literacy, and increasing the visibility of nurses within the community. Recommendations for action are given and include expansion of nursing knowledge, increased student exposure to community-based settings, and improvement in community partnerships. |
