Competency Achievement Methods of Environmental Health Inspectors based on their Own Perspectives in Iranian Medical Sciences Universities

Introduction: The competencies of Environmental Health inspectors and the methods to achieve them are defining factors in encountering environmental health problems. The aim of this study was to identify the methods of gaining competency among Iranian Environmental Health inspectors from their own views. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 612 Iranian Environmental Health inspectors were selected through cluster sampling. Data collection was done via a questionnaire that its validity and reliability were checked by the opinions of the experts and calculating Cronbach`s Alpha coefficient (0.82) respectively. The collected data were analyzed by conducting descriptive statistics. Results: Based on the results of this study, Environmental Health inspectors declared that they have gained their capabilities via in-service training (38.7%), academic education (18.8 %), pre-service training and experimental training (14.7 %). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in-service training can play a key role in increasing Environmental Health inspectors` job capabilities. So, it seems necessary to emphasize on in-service training planning to promote their capabilities. Moreover, it is recommended that the Environmental Health academic curriculum be enriched in accordance with the required capabilities of inspectors.