Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed topics and methods of individual projects carried out in Gangwon state as part of the Chronic Disease Field Management Training Program and assessed changes in participants’ levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills pre- and post-training. METHODS: Individual projects were classified by research purpose, public health program area, participant characteristics, and research methods, and the results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills pre- and post-training. RESULTS: The analysis of 51 projects revealed that roughly 70% (36 projects) were intervention studies. Of these studies, 60% did not include a control group, which is a limitation because of the lack of a comparison group. Cardio-cerebrovascular disease prevention/management and physical activity accounted for 50% of the projects. The average number of participants per project was 88 and the dependent variables were collected primarily through questionnaires (58.8%) and measurements (37.3%). The training was effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. Notably, knowledge and practical skills showed significant improvement compared with their pre-training levels. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to conduct a detailed analysis of trainees’ project topics and methodologies. The study findings provide insights into the interests and gaps of public health professionals in the field. The findings can serve as a reference for refining future training content and project guidance.