Development of a Competency-Based Curriculum for Public Health Personnel on Disease and Health Threat Prevention and Control to Support the Decentralization to Local Administrative Organizations

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) examine the current situation, problems, and needs for developing a competency-enhancing curriculum on disease prevention, control, and health hazards for public health personnel under local administrative organizations; (2) design and validate an appropriate curriculum; and (3) evaluate the outcomes of implementing the curriculum. Methods: This research employed a research and development (R&D) design conducted between May and August 2025, comprising three phases: (1) an assessment of the current situation, problems, and needs using questionnaires and in-depth interviews; (2) curriculum development and validation through synthesis of Phase 1 data, workshops, and expert evaluation of appropriateness; and (3) pilot implementation of the curriculum in areas with 100% transferred responsibilities, namely Roi Et and Maha Sarakham provinces, involving 30 primary health care personnel as participants. Results: The survey indicated that personnel required knowledge in epidemiology, disease investigation, emerging and re-emerging diseases, and relevant laws and regulations. Desired skills included situational analysis, disease investigation report writing, and risk communication, while essential attributes comprised analytical thinking, continuous learning, and a positive attitude. The developed curriculum consisted of five learning modules: (1) Local administrative organizations and disease prevention, control, and health hazard management; (2) Applied epidemiology for local surveillance and control; (3) Effective local-level surveillance, prevention, and control; (4) Principles of monitoring and evaluating local-level operations; and (5) Risk communication and local-level operational management. Results from the pilot implementation among 30 participants showed that post-curriculum competency scores in knowledge, skills, and attributes were significantly higher than pre-curriculum scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The developed competency-enhancing curriculum effectively addressed the needs of public health personnel in local administrative organizations and strengthened their capacity for local-level disease surveillance, prevention, and control. For sustainable implementation, it is recommended to supplement the curriculum with mentoring systems and ongoing evaluation.