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Purpose : The purposes of this study are three hold: First, to understanding the sanitation inspectors’ self perception of professional competences, then base on the result to develop training courses and to evaluate the program effectiveness; second, to examine associations between dimensions of job characteristics; and third, to explore the best model of from the current 4 common inspector practicing model.
Methods：Panel interview was first performed by senior inspectors to generate what are the main core professional competencies for doing inspecting task. Base on the extensive interview results, a survey questionnaire, including items of professional competency, along with Job Characteristics Questionnaire (JCQ) was developed. The reliability and validity were examined. All inspectors in Taiwan are the study subjects. In total, 320 questionnaires were mail and 286 were returned, with 89.4% response rate. A training program was developed and held for inspectors resided at southern part of Taiwan. Descriptive statistics were used to describe basic information of study subjects. Correlation analysis was conduct to understand the correlation within the dimensions of JCQ and among the inspector characteristics. Multiple Linear regressions were used to identify the predictor of better inspection model.
Results：Respondents indicated the area of lack professional competencies included: laws and regulations on business operating hygiene, smoking inhibition, medical affairs, and food safety. The ability of identifying the correctness of Chinese herbs medicine is one of the most professional incapability(Mean=2.29) .The participants indicated the professional competency training did improve their overall professional ability (Mean=2.64). The coefficient of variations results indicated that after the training, the variations among members are significant reduced. The correlation matrix indicated that the job demands and social support of JCQ are highly and significant associated. The inspection team model, as compared with three other models, demonstrated highly significant support from his colleague, as well as, his supervisors. LSD models revealed that inspection team model had the least job demands(Mean=11.95), and the highest social support (Mean=23.53).
Conclusion： This study found that health hygiene inspectors perceived need of further training at professional ability. Systemized and continued training should be implemented to improve their ability. The JCQ is a validated instrument to identify the inspector job characteristics; therefore, further application is suggested. Public health decision makers should review the current health inspector practicing model and find an appropriate one to improve quality of work.
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