The Epi training kit pilot: an inclusive Spanish-language e-learning approach to epidemiology and data science in...

The growing frequency of health emergencies underscores the need to strengthen outbreak-response capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers such as limited access to training, linguistic exclusion, and gender disparities constrain the adoption of data-science tools in public health. To address these gaps in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Epi Training Kit (EpiTKit), a fully Spanish-language, open-access MOOC, was developed to provide inclusive, gender-aware, and context-sensitive training in infectious-disease epidemiology using open-source software.

A learner-centered, multimethod design guided the pilot of five learning units delivered via the edX Edge platform. Participants were recruited through a regional training programme. Quantitative data were collected through satisfaction and end-of-course surveys; qualitative data came from two focus groups and open-ended survey responses. Quantitative analysis described demographics, completion, and satisfaction; qualitative analysis used deductive-inductive content analysis to characterize experiences and challenges.

A total of 223 participants from 14 LAC countries took part-Colombia, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Mexico, Paraguay, Cuba, El Salvador, Panama, and Venezuela. Most were women (66.4%), aged 25-45, and highly educated (54.3% master's, 6.7% PhD), while about 45% were students or held undergraduate degrees. The MOOC achieved a 57.4% completion rate (33.4% among non-mandated learners) and a mean final grade of 83.1. Over 80% rated objectives and resources as effective, and >90% scored units 4-5/5, with highest satisfaction in theoretical modules and lower ratings for R-programming units. Completers rated the course 4.6/5 and 9.3/10 for recommendation; 98% valued the Spanish-language design and 90% recognized its gender-equity focus. Qualitative findings emphasized clarity, inclusiveness, flexibility, and platform usability, but noted time constraints, limited feedback in coding tasks, and occasional English terminology in R scripts/references as remaining barriers.

Spanish-language, gender-aware online training in epidemiology and data science is feasible and well received in LAC. Future iterations should broaden regional datasets and strengthen guided R-learning and feedback mechanisms.