Assessment of the training needs of Kentucky public health educators

A survey to identify the training needs of Kentucky public health educators was conducted during the spring of 2001. Questionnaire items assessed respondents' job title, years of experience in public health education, percentage of work time doing public health education, and educational background. Respondents were asked to rate their perceived level of mastery of 50 public health educator competencies and skills, desire for additional training in each of the competencies and skills, and preferred format for training. Surveys were mailed to 699 health department employees across the commonwealth. A total of 366 questionnaires were completed and returned. Results provide a descriptive profile of Kentucky public health educators and pinpoint competency deficiencies. Grant writing, budgeting, evaluation, managing controversy, and multicultural understanding were identified most frequently as competencies in which more training was needed. An overview of survey results and recommendations regarding the training of Kentucky public health educators is provided.