What is the primary focus of health education in community health nursing (CHN)?

The primary focus of health education in community health nursing (CHN) is empowering individuals and communities to make informed health decisions. This approach emphasizes the importance of knowledge and awareness in promoting health and preventing diseases within communities. By providing education on various health topics, nurses help individuals understand their health conditions, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the available resources for maintaining and improving health.

Empowerment is key in community health nursing because it encourages self-management and active participation in one's own health care. When people are equipped with the right information and skills, they are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, seek preventive care, and advocate for their health needs. This foundational aspect of health education fosters resilience and improves overall community health outcomes.

Other options, like increasing healthcare access and reducing healthcare costs, while important aspects of healthcare systems, are secondary to the direct objective of education and empowerment. Improving hospital services relates more to institutional care rather than the proactive, community-focused strategies that are characteristic of CHN.