An Evaluation of the Knowledge Gain by the Field Health Functionaries of Urban Local Bodies in Tamil Nadu after the Training on Applied Epidemiology

Abstract

Background: In the urban set up of Tamil Nadu where there are growing public health challenges it becomes

imperative that the existing public health machinery needs to be given short term trainings to understand the

basic concepts of epidemiology so as to prevent or control an epidemic outbreak. Objectives: The present

study intended to assess the knowledge gain of field health functionaries of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

after attending the training on “Applied Epidemiology”. Methods: The study included about 395 trainees

who attended the training during November 2017 to March 2018. The training was given in 13 batches

with each batch covering about 30 participants. The duration of training was 3 days. Their knowledge

gain was assessed using pre and post training evaluation using standard set of questionnaire. Results: The

training was seen to have improved the knowledge of the trainees about the basic concepts in the field of

disease epidemiology. This in turn will strengthen capacity of field health functionaries in the provision of

epidemiology services by making them confident in the application of key areas of epidemiological practice,

and adopting more reasonable approaches in the field. Conclusion: As a result of continued training and

adaptability of the objectives of the training, the field activities of the public health officials will improve

qualitatively.