Key factors influencing public health students and curricula in India: Recommendations from a mixed methods analysis

Background: Public health programs have expanded in India in recent years, with COVID-19 underscoring the need for strong public health training and workforce capacity. This paper assesses current capacity for public health education and training in India and provides recommendations to meet current and future needs. Methods: A desk review of public health training programs (internet searches, literature review, expert consultations) was conducted, followed by purposively sampled in-depth interviews with faculty from identified programs. Summary statistics were developed from the desk review, and qualitative data were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes, assessing strengths and weaknesses. Results: Fifty-nine institutions offering public health training were identified across India, with most programs at the graduate level (MPH, MS). Key factors affecting programs included collaborations, mentorship, curriculum standardization, tuition/funding, and student demand/career pathways. Collaborations and mentorship were valued but variable. Curricula lacked standardization, though flexibility fostered innovation. Public sector programs were generally affordable, though fees/stipends varied. Further development of career opportunities in public health is needed.

Meike Schleiff, Haley Brahmbhatt, Preetika Banerjee, Megha Reddy, Emily Miller, Piyusha Majumdar, D. K. Mangal, Shiv Dutt Gupta, Sanjay Zodpey, Anita Shet