Explaining the Required Knowledge and Skills for Public Health Undergraduates: a Qualitative Study in Golestan Province

Health workers should be trained based on the real needs of the society in terms of quantity and quality, so that af ter graduation, they can be employed in organizational positions related to their field of study and solve the health problems of the society by providing relevant services within their scope of duties. The purpose of this study was to explain the required knowledge and skills for public health undergraduates.

This qualitative study was conducted with the content analysis approach and by holding three focus group discussion sessions with 30 health network managers; managers, heads and experts of the technical groups of the deputy of health and the headquarters of health networks, and health care workers of comprehensive urban and rural health service centers in Golestan province. Data analysis was done using thematic content analysis method and MAXQDA software.

After merging the similar codes with each other, finally 55 codes were extracted and classified into 19 subthems and finally categorized into 4 thems. Management information needed by public health graduates included work mission in health, planning and supervision, work ethics and executive processes. Specialized and field information included re-emerging and emerging diseases, population youth, crisis management, mental health, reproductive health, aspects of social health and immunization. The practical skills of individual development included teamwork, communication skills and expression techniques, attracting social participation, using virtual networks and familiarity with information technology. Skills needed to work in the health system included regional situation assessment, operational planning, and first aid.

The required knowledge of public health students can be provided by including the results of the study in the educational curricula and in accordance with the new instructions. Also, the combination of practical skills with theoretical topics during academic semesters and paying more attention to internship courses can train public health students according to the needs of the health system.