Abstract
Background: Community-oriented primary health care is a health promotion model that includes community diagnosis of a targeted community.
Purpose: This educational project aimed to develop and implement an innovative approach of applying the principles of evidence-based practice in the teaching of community diagnosis, where the class of nursing students serves as an example of community.
Methods: The method consisted of a lecture and an evidence-based simulation of community diagnosis based on data collection regarding the lifestyle and health behaviors of third-year nursing students from a 4-year academic nursing program (200 students; 90% response rate).
Results: The data analysis revealed insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, and unsweetened fluids; excessive consumption of red and processed meat; insufficient engagement in physical activity; high anxiety level; and sleep deprivation.
Conclusions: This educational approach allowed an interactive presentation of community health diagnostic methodology as well as community health problem prioritization applying the principles of an evidence-based approach. The method also improves students' awareness of their health and makes them better ambassadors of promoting a healthy lifestyle.