Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Teresa Verklan

Abstract

Human trafficking is a global public health problem. Victims of human trafficking experience higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive damage, sexual violence, infertility, and mental and behavioral issues. To help end human trafficking, which is potentially deadly, raising awareness about this topic is essential for victim survival. A gap in practice among staff at a community health center regarding recognition of victims of human trafficking and procedures for potential victims was identified. An education program focused on increasing knowledge and awareness was developed to close this gap. Guided by Watson’s theory of human caring, a 30-minute educational session followed by a question and answer session was presented to 21 interdisciplinary participants (nurse practitioners, physicians, behavioral health coaches, and registered nurses). A pretest was given one week before the presentation, followed by a posttest two weeks after the presentation. The pretest average participant test score was 68%, and the average posttest score was 89%. The education program showed improvement, with an overall 31% increase in scores. Positive social change can be achieved by equipping healthcare workers with knowledge to recognize, identify, and appropriately address needs and concerns of potential human trafficking victims. To sustain this knowledge, participants should be offered human trafficking awareness education once a year.

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