Rahmati S, Goujani R, Abdolahinia Z, Nasiri N, Narouee S, Nekouei A H, et al . Exploring Prospective Job Opportunities for Epidemiologists in Public and Non-Governmental Sectors and Projecting the Required Workforce in Iran Until 2027. irje 2023; 19 (3) :227-239
URL:
http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7271-en.html
1- PhD Student of Epidemiology, Epidemiology and Biostatistic Group, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
3- PhD Student of Epidemiology, Epidemiology and Biostatistic Group, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran AND Msc of Epidemiology, Department of Health, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
4- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
5- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran , ahaghdoost@gmail.com
Abstract: (524 Views)
Background and Objectives: The influential role of epidemiologists in improving health outcomes and conducting pertinent research becomes apparent when they are strategically positioned and available in sufficient numbers within a nation. This study aims to identify potential job positions in epidemiology within both governmental and non-governmental sectors while estimating the necessary workforce of epidemiologists in the country until 2027.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a combination in two quantitative and qualitative parts. In the qualitative part, interviews were conducted with experts, policy makers, graduates and students of this field in the field of job opportunities. In the quantitative part, the number of epidemiologists needed was estimated using modeling and parameters obtained from the review of the literature and the opinions of experts in this field. In this study, the current and near future needs up to 1406 have been considered.
Results: Based on the interviewes, job opportunities for epidemiologists in the country encompass diverse domains, including problem management and analysis, conducting applied research, data analysis, dashboard development, teaching, training, and future-oriented work (forecasting). Acounting for lost job opportunities, the estimated number of epidemiologists required in the country until 2027 is 1122 individuals, that most of them contribute to the country's health system if job opportunities are created. The highest demand for epidemiologists was identidied in units of the Ministry of Health, medical universities, research centers, and hospitals.
Conclusion: Estimating the number of epidemiologists needed using modeling in the country and paying attention to the current number of graduates, reveals that the growth of this field and the increase in graduates can only occur if job opportunities are clearly defined, created, and implemented across proposed job levels.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Epidemiology Received: 2023/08/13 | Accepted: 2024/01/6 | Published: 2023/12/20
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