Table 3 PHAs perceptions of relative importance of public health focus areas
Degree of importance of different public health focus areas | n | Very or critically important (% respondents) |
|---|---|---|
Increase awareness among decision-makers and the public about public health | 54 | 87 % |
Mobilize partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems | 50 | 81 % |
Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues | 49 | 79 % |
Conduct research to develop new insights and innovative solutions to public health problems | 41 | 66 % |
Analyze and investigate health problems and health hazards | 40 | 65 % |
Maintain a competent public health care workforce | 40 | 65 % |
Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts | 38 | 61 % |
Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of population-based health services | 37 | 60 % |
Monitor health status to identify and solve health problems | 35 | 56 % |
Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety | 33 | 53 % |
Link people to health services they need | 27 | 44 % |