Inspection Perceptions of Occupational Training Needs and Training Quality in Public Health Inspectors and Organizations Services in Greece

Background: Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are tasked with responding to emerging threats to Public Health, to control the pandemic crisis COVID-19, preventing and controlling communicable and environmental diseases, and face many health and safety issues while at work. This study aimed to investigate the training needs and training quality of Greek PHIs Organizations in urban and rural settings and also associated with demographic variables.Methods: This is a Nationwide cross-sectional study conducted between March and June 2021, in Greece. An online approved survey was created, and the web link was distributed to respondents by email, through the National Public Health Inspectorate Administration, while anonymity was retained. This is a nationwide study with a response rate 30, 5 %, N=185 (185/606).Results: Participants reported 64.51% high Training needs while only 8.11% report low training needs, and medium training needs 26,49% for PHIs (M=3.15, SD=0.70). In the fields of health and safety at work, stress management, personal protective equipment, and protection from chemical agents. Training quality 43.78% of participants rate as low while only 17.3% rate training quality as high, and 38,92% medium rate (M=3.57, SD=1.32). Training needs per gender results show Women perceive total and have higher levels of training needs vs Men.Conclusion: Reported high Training needs, and low rate in Training quality in the several fields of Occupational Health and Safety sections significant for PHIs in all workplace environments. This research will help in decision-making, policy formulation and administration of Organizations & Services, proper governance, and future Training Programs.