Mentorship in field epidemiology training programs in the eastern mediterranean region

Mentors' characteristics, perceived challenges, and training needs

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22071433
AutoresYousef Khader (0000-0002-7830-6857, Jordan University of Science and Technology, autor correspondente), Mohannad Al Nsour (0000-0003-1212-1611, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Abdulla Salem Bin-Ghouth (0000-0002-0884-5361, National University), Abdulla Bin-Ghouth, Randa Mohammed S Nooh (0000-0002-8892-7032, Ministry of Health), Ruba Kamal Alsouri (0000-0002-4901-3772, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Ayman Bani Mousa (0009-0002-8542-2212, Ministry of Health), Hajer Letaief (National Observatory), Yasir Younis Majeed, Y Majeed (0000-0001-5479-8466, Baghdad Medical City), Haitham Bashier (0000-0002-9648-5473, Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed (0000-0002-8799-4604, Ministry of Public Health), Hassan Chrifi (0000-0001-8668-2249, Ministère de la Santé), Muntasir M Osman (0000-0002-1625-0763, Federal Ministry of Health), Tahmina Shirin (0000-0002-5061-3783, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research), Mumtaz Ali Khan (0000-0001-7550-9336, Pakistan Academy of Sciences), Mohammed Akrim (0000-0003-4587-1750, National School of Architecture)
Ano2025
Volume13
Páginas1669305-1669305
Data de publicação2025-12-10
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
EditoraFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1669305
PMID41450506
OpenAlexW4417182179
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas16

Introduction: Despite its significance, mentorship within Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the demographic and professional profiles of FETP mentors, their mentorship practices, challenges, and training needs within the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FETP mentors across nine EMR countries. A structured questionnaire, developed with expert input and pre-tested for clarity, covered demographics, challenges, training needs, satisfaction, and perceived impact. Data were collected via an online survey platform. Results: Of 148 mentors approached, 129 responded (87.2%). Most were male (75.2%) and aged 40-50 years (41.1%). Over half (51.1%) had more than 6 years of professional experience, while 38.0% had only 0-2 years of mentoring experience. Epidemiology (50.4%) and public health (31.0%) were the most common fields. Most (74.4%) had formal mentorship training, though only 47.3% did so recently. Time management was a common challenge, with 68.0% of mentors reporting difficulty managing time for mentorship activities either often or sometimes. Nearly half (49.2%) found available resources adequate to support their mentorship role. The majority (93.0%) expressed a need for more training, especially in mentoring techniques, communication, and leadership. Workshops were identified by 94.6% of respondents as the preferred method for mentor training. Overall, 59.7% rated their mentorship experience as "Good" and 27.1% as "Excellent." Conclusion: The study findings underscore the need for structured mentor development, clear guidelines, dedicated time, and enhanced support to strengthen FETP mentorship and public health capacity

Field training · Mentorship · Public health · Athletic Training and Education · Mentoring and Academic Development · Nursing education and management · Epidemiology