Public Health Competencies Research Articles

Mapeamento de competências essenciais: conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para gestão em saúde pública

ABSTRACT This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative exploratory descriptive approach that aimed to mapp essential competencies in public health among professionals working in the management of a state health department. Data collection was conducted online through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively, and the competencies were assessed according to six domains of the Regional Framework for Essential Competencies in Public Health and the Degree of Competency Expression at Work. A total of 119 professionals participated in the study, with a predominance of females (70.6%) and an average age of 46.7 years. Domain 1 - Health Situation Analysis showed the highest Degree of Competency Expression at Work; while Domain 6 - International and Global Health obtained the lowest value. There was a significant relationship between the variables studied and education, highlighting that lower levels of education are associated with lower competence scores across the six analyzed domains. It is concluded that developing competencies is a challenge in public management due to its specificities. In this context, competency mapping plays a fundamental role in planning and implementing effective actions for Continuing Health Education.

One Health as a Core Component of Veterinary Medicine: Defining Day-1 Public Health Competencies for the Veterinary Workforce

Animal health and veterinary medicine are integral to One Health, contributing important perspectives on complex challenges arising at the human–animal–environment interface. The published Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) framework dedicates a domain of competence and three associated sub-competencies to public health (Domain 4). However, a panel of One Health scientists sought to establish additional outcomes believed necessary to support core veterinary curricula related to veterinary public health (VPH)/One Health. We hypothesized that early career veterinarians use knowledge, skills, and abilities consistent with VPH/One Health and that the existing CBVE could incorporate these concepts. We conducted key informant and exploratory interviews with veterinarians across 12 sectors of veterinary medicine and used inductive coding to identify VPH/One Health codes. We then cross-analyzed these codes with the existing CBVE framework to incorporate field-validated VPH/One Health codes into the published framework. Thirty codes emerged which were designated as either adequately represented (5), not represented (6), or represented with sub-competency creation or augmentation recommended (19) in the existing framework. This information was used to cross-map, validate, and update the CBVE sub-competencies so that they accurately reflect the breadth and depth of One Health engagement required for competent veterinarians. This iterative, evidence-based revision process is a model for integrating One Health into medical professional curricula.

Making Community Connections for Minority Outreach in Alzheimer’s Disease

AbstractBackgroundRecognizing the gap in communication that exists between minority populations and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)research community, education and outreach are a critical step in the effort to understand and address disparities. African‐Americans (AA) and Hispanics, are significantly more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) as compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. In addition to biological risk, widespread and significant misperceptions about aging process, diagnosis and clinical management influence the way in which AD/ADRD is recognized and subsequently treated in minority populationsMethodAn Alzheimer’s’ Community Engagement ‐Empower Minorities (ACE‐EM) center is proposed as an addition to existing research programs at Delaware State University (DSU). As a Historically‐Black university DSU is uniquely positioned to coordinate Alzheimer’s outreach programs in minority communities of interest. Organizations with strong ties to minority populations improve intervention effectiveness and increase impact. ACE‐EM plans to foster education and training of DSU students under the guiding framework of the Alzheimer’s disease Public Health Curriculum to develop community trusted dementia advocates – an investment for a competent future public health workforce. We recognize the importance of having conversations with family and community members about aging, AD/ADRD and how we can work together to reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease for future generations as outlined in the CDC Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map (2018‐2023).ResultCenter will provide a hub for scientific and community exchange for research dissemination specific to cognitive health and AD/ADRD among minorities and 2) engage community members, their families, and partners through culturally targeted and linguistically appropriate education, training, and measurements. Preliminary targeted outreach efforts and data collection in process.ConclusionTo build empowered communities with increased awareness and understanding of cognitive health, through a range of community‐informed and community‐engaged dissemination activities.

Developing public health competency statements and frameworks: a scoping review and thematic analysis of approaches

Competencies ensure public health students and professionals have the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours to do their jobs effectively. Public health is a dynamic and complex field requiring robust competency statements and frameworks that are regularly renewed. Many countries have public health competencies, but there has been no evidence synthesis on how these are developed. Our research aim was to synthesize the extent and nature of the literature on approaches and best practices for competencies statement and framework development in the context of public health, including identifying the relevant literature on approaches for developing competency statements and frameworks for public health students and professionals using a scoping review; and, synthesizing and describing approaches and best practices for developing public health competency statements and frameworks using a thematic analysis of the literature identified by the scoping review. We conducted a scoping review and thematic analysis of the academic and grey literature to synthesize and describe approaches and best practices for developing public health competency statements and frameworks. A systematic search of six databases uncovered 13 articles for inclusion. To scope the literature, articles were assessed for characteristics including study aim, design, methods, key results, gaps, and future research recommendations. Most included articles were peer-reviewed journal articles, used qualitative or mixed method design, and were focused on general, rather than specialist, public health practitioners. Thematic analysis resulted in the generation of six analytical themes that describe the multi-method approaches utilized in developing competency statements and frameworks including literature reviews, expert consultation, and consensus-building. There was variability in the transparency of competency framework development, with challenges balancing foundational and discipline-specific competencies. Governance, and intersectoral and interdisciplinary competency, are needed to address complex public health issues. Understanding approaches and best practices for competency statement and framework development will support future evidence-informed iterations of public health competencies.

Examination of Participant Characteristics and Utilization Trends of a Web-Based Public Health Practice Training Curriculum.

Public health workforce development has been an ongoing challenge. Understanding the needs, interests, and demographics of public health practice communities is essential for advancing the field of public health workforce development. The North Dakota Public Health Training Network (NDPHTN) is addressing the needs of public health practice communities through virtual training curricula. The NDPHTN curriculum is based upon 7 domains of public health practice workforce development training, identified via reports, a job task analysis, and workforce competency and skill needs surveys. The curricula also align with the Council on Education for Public Health competencies, and courses offer registrants the opportunity to earn Certified Public Health Continuing Education credit. The NDPHTN curriculum launched on August 1, 2019, is offered on the Public Health Foundation's TRAIN platform. The educational trainings are available as 6 "courses," a group of related sessions on a public health workforce topic, or 72 Continuing Education Unit credits ("CEUs"), stand-alone sessions that are not part of a course. The courses were created to meet specialized certificate requirements, while CEUs present both overlapping materials with courses and unique "Special Topics," such as education and training related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CEUs on "Special Topics" are regularly revised to provide up-to-date information on evolving topics. This research study period was August 1, 2019, to January 5, 2021. Using posttraining evaluations on quality and usefulness of NDPHTN sessions through the TRAIN platform, 96.71% of respondents reported that the sessions would be useful to their work. The TRAIN platform is an excellent channel to provide public health practice workforce development training to a diverse workforce. This examination of learner characteristics and utilization trends provides indications of topics deemed valuable by members of the public health workforce who engage in continuing education and training opportunities.

Mapping competencies taught in public health – Experience of the Europubhealth Consortium

Abstract Background Public health education aims at producing a competent workforce. The WHO-ASPHER framework proposes a set of relevant public health competencies organised in 10 sections (e.g. science practice, leadership, law policies and ethics etc). As part of the Europubhealth consortium (EPHc), eight universities collaborate for the delivery of a 2-year international public health master course. The course includes a first-year, or foundation component (4 options), and a second-year or specialisation component (7 options). Objectives In 2020, EPHc decided to use the framework in order to map the competencies addressed, and the level of proficiency aimed at, by each Y1 and Y2 option of the Master. To that end, component's coordinators answered an 84-item questionnaire covering the whole framework. Answers were summarised by calculating mean proficiency levels for each competency section. Results There were differences in overall proficiency levels between years with, as expected, higher scores in Y2. Options in Y1 reached medium to high proficiency scores for the sections “science practice”, “health promotion” and “communication” with scores of 2.6 to 3 (on a 1 to 4 scale). When compared with Y1 on a heat-map, Y2 options displayed more contrasted profiles, typically focussing (i.e. scores > 3.5) on 3 out of the 10 sections of competencies. Except for the “collaborations and partnership” section, the training pathways offered by the EPHc seem to offer opportunities for a high proficiency level in all domains of competencies. Conclusions The mapping proved a useful exercise to identify strengths and complementarities among the EPHc. The results suggest that the EPHc master course is coherent and offers students opportunities to gain proficiency in most competencies relevant to public health practice. Key messages • Competency-based education is likely to shape the future public health workforce. • The WHO-ASPHER framework proved a useful tool to map public health competencies addressed in the teaching of the Europubhealth international Master.

An integrated evidence-based approach to provide a practicum-based learning experience to students

Abstract Background Due to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health field has an exceptional opportunity not only to address current challenges but also to rebuild and expand the workforce. Objectives The main objective of this presentation is to highlight the 2018-2022 academic year's progress of the practice-based learning experience of the JPH College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in Georgia, USA. The College serves more than 59, mostly rural counties, and involves diverse practicum preceptors, students, and existing professionals from the USA and other countries. The College provides a unique opportunity for students to develop practice-based education and training to master public health competencies in the field. The Office of Practice and Research collaborates with two Practicum coordinators on the undergraduate and graduate levels to create, support, sustain, and expand practicum opportunities locally and globally. Results The Practicum has created more than 17 community partnerships that provide an ongoing Practicum opportunity on all three program levels (BSPH, MPH, DrPH). It fostered relationships between community organizations and academia to collaborate on research, interventions, and grants. It includes professional workshops, information sessions, and mentoring to adequately prepare students for the fieldwork. In addition, it incorporates 1) an advisory board committee; 2) supervisor's evaluations; and 3) alumni feedback. As a result of this program and other efforts, more than 80% of our students are employed or enrolled in further education within the defined period. Conclusions This scalable and adaptable program serves as a model for advancing academia-community efforts aiming to successfully prepare students for entering the workforce, as well as enhancing the knowledge and skills of those in the workforce, particularly those working in/plan to work in challenging rural and related settings. Key messages • Practicum is essential in the successful preparation of students for entering the workforce. • Practicum provides a unique opportunity for collaboration between community organizations and academia.

Building Public Health Competencies for Cross-Sector Leadership: Results From the National Leadership Academy for the Public's Health.

Context. The public health workforce is increasingly being asked to provide leadership in addressing complex community health needs. Effective leadership requires adaptiveness and cross-sector collaboration in developing solutions to address community needs. Program. An annual yearlong public health leadership development program, which engages cross-sector teams and uses an iterative design to build competencies for adaptive and collaborative leadership across sectors (e.g., public health, business, education, nonprofits). Implementation. The program engages cross-sector teams through a national retreat, coaching, site visits, interactive webinars, readings, and a community-based action learning project. As of 2020, the program was offered to nine cohorts, serving more than 100 communities across the United States. Results. Results from a mixed-methods evaluation found that high proportions of participants reported increased leadership skills, cross-sector collaboration, continued use of tools and concepts, and positive impact on their communities after participating in the program. Across all cohorts, participants rated themselves on five leadership domains and 17 leadership competencies focused on by the program. All domains and all competencies had statistically significant improvements from the beginning to the end of their program year. Discussion. The improvements in leadership skills were seen across all cohorts, geographies, roles, and sectors. The success of the program suggests the need for leadership programs that emphasize adaptive and collaborative leadership to advance community health and equity.

Comparison and clarification of public health and public health nursing competencies: A report of the Committee on Public Health Nursing (2017-2018)

Objectives The Committee on Public Health Nursing (2017-2018) of the Japanese Society of Public Health aimed to elucidate the competencies of public health and public health nursing to provide basic materials for public health, public health nursing education, practice, and research.Methods We studied the core competencies of public health professionals and public health nursing in the United States and examined similarities to and differences from those in Japan.Results The United States and Japan shared similar public health and public health nursing competencies in that they targeted populations, identified health problems, and clarified health challenges for effective actions. However, differences were noted in the understanding of target groups, perspectives for identifying health problems and overcoming health challenges, and conceptualization of individuals in populations. In public health, the target population practiced clear boundaries, such as residing in certain geographical areas and ethnic groups, among others. In health challenges, the top-down approach was employed to resolve health problems in certain populations. The individual was recognized as a part of a population composed of a certain group. In public health nursing, target population (e.g., from individuals/families to groups/communities/social groups) were understood in a continuous and multilayered manner. Individual/family health problems were associated with the characteristics of groups, communities, and social groups that encompass the continuum. Moreover, health challenges were addressed in a manner oriented toward the transformation of social groups as a whole. Public health nursing competencies in both countries, which share many similarities, were developed to achieve the objectives of public health. In the United States, the competencies and skills considered necessary, such as analytical/assessment and cultural competency skills, were clearly expressed and constructed in line with the core competencies of public health professionals. However, in Japan, skills and abilities necessary as competencies in public health nursing mentioned above were not specified.Conclusion Elucidating the core competencies of public health professionals in Japan is essential to develop human resources that can contribute to effective practices in public health and public health nursing. Toward this end, skills and abilities necessary as competencies in public health nursing in Japan, which were not previously verbalized, should be described in detail.

Taking a "Care Pathway/Whole Systems" Approach to Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) in Organ Donation and Transplantation in Relation to the Needs of "Ethnic/Racial/Migrant" Minority Communities: A Statement and a Call for Action.

International evidence shows variation in organ donation and transplantation (ODT) based upon a range of patient characteristics. What is less well understood is the impact of patient "ethnicity/race/immigration background," as these terms are defined and intended differently across countries. We also know that these characteristics do not operate in isolation but intersect with a range of factors. In this paper, we propose a framework that seeks to clarify the definition of the key terms "ethnicity/race/migrant" and to review how these communities are operationalized across European studies about inequities in ODT. Further, patients and the public wish to see Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) approaches in their everyday lives, not just in relation to ODT. We propose a 'care pathway/whole-systems' approach to ODT encompassing culturally competent public health interventions for a) the prevention and management of chronic diseases, b) improvements in public engagement for the promotion of the culture of ODT and enhancements in end-of-life care, through to c) enhanced likelihood of successful transplant among migrant/ethnic minority communities. Our framework recognizes that if we truly wish to take an EDI approach to ODT, we need to adopt a more social, human and holistic approach to examining questions around patient ethnicity.

Technical Review: Key concepts of health database management for public health workforce development in resource-limited settings

The academic and professional technology communities recognize that data science and big data management are essential methods for handling and using data in modern society for decision-making that ultimately leads to societal improvements. These insights are applicable to the world-wide practice of public health. The purpose of this technical review is to provide the public health decision-maker with an overview of key concepts of health database management to help guide additional individual or workforce development in order to support public health practice. This discussion is organized with the following subheading: Definition: Health Data Management; Data Preparation Actions; Basic SQL Commands in Microsoft Access; and Basic Data Management Procedures. Public health workforce development efforts that include discussion and skill-building activities dealing with issues and topics in health data management could contribute to developing the public health competencies of all public health professionals, including those in resource-limited settings, for the benefit of reporting disease outbreaks and other health outcomes of interest to local public health authorities.

Senior Immigrant Women and Participation in Voluntary Services in Norway.

In Norway, there is a rising trend in the number of senior immigrants. Engagement in society is known to be crucial to their well-being and health, with participation in voluntary activities being one way of partaking in a community. A qualitative study was conducted, involving 12 immigrant women aged 50 years and above. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gain insight into their experiences of participation in activities, aiming to identify both facilitators and barriers to their engagement in activities provided by voluntary organizations. The analysis resulted in two main themes and five sub-themes. According to the women's experience, learning Norwegian was important for successful integration. They also emphasized the importance of social relationships for improved self-perceived health and a sense of belonging in a community. Language challenges and limited social integration were barriers negatively impacting their participation, with health being a crucial factor determining their capacity to engage in voluntary services. Since most of the women talked about their health, this became an important topic of further investigation. This article is a contribution towards gaining further insight into the experiences of senior immigrant women participating in voluntary services and explores the challenges faced by voluntary organizations in improving information dissemination and minimizing barriers to participation. Public health competence can improve knowledge regarding facilitating health-promoting participation in voluntary services.

Cultural Competence Guides for COVID-19 Messaging in Hispanic Communities.

The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas comprises 5% percent of Texas's population yet 17%of Texas's COVID-19 deaths. We aimed to address underlying mistrust and systemic racism in our Hispanic community that contributes to health inequities by developing a cultural competence guide for public health messaging. We employed a mixed method design (e.g., focus groups, surveys, interviews) to develop and implement a cultural competence guide in an iterative community-informed process. We created a general cultural competence guide, one for the Hispanic community and one for the hard-of-hearing community. Our cultural competence guides provide an interpretation as to whether the message is culturally competent or requires revisions. The guides have the following five categories: content and clarity, emotions and values, audience and inclusivity, call to action, and gestalt. The Hispanic community needs more culturally competent public health messaging to address a key root cause of health inequities surrounding COVID-19. Our novel, concise guides can help organizations and individuals seeking to create culturally sensitive and, therefore, more effective public health messaging for Hispanic or deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Translated article] Outbreak of Dermatophyte Infections on the Head and Neck Related to Shave Haircuts: Description of a Multicenter Case Series

IntroductionSince 2021, an increase in cases of tinea capitis has been detected in adolescents who shave their hair with fade haircut. Patients and methodsMulticenter retrospective observational study of cases of cephalic pole dermatophytosis with a history of having been acquired after frequent shaving in hairdressing. A call was made to dermatologists from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) to provide cases observed between January 2021 and December 2022. Patients with microbiological confirmation by culture or direct examination with KOH were included. Results107 cases were collected, 106 of which were male. 78 non-inflammatory forms were observed, compared to 29 inflammatory. The most frequently isolated fungus was Trichophyton tonsurans (75.7% of cases). The lesions appeared predominantly on the nape of the neck and temporal area. ConclusionsThe distribution by sex, age and lesional location seems to indicate that a new social trend, in which male adolescents regularly go to hairdressers to shave the occipital and temporal areas, would be the cause of this grouping of cases of ringworm of the scalp. The most frequent microorganism in our study (T. tonsurans) coincides with the most prevalent in our environment. This study shows an accumulation of cases that can be taken into account by competent Public Health agencies, which are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules of disinfection of the material used for shaving.

”Peruskehikko on olemassa, mutta sitä ei seurattu” – asiantuntijanäkemykset kansanterveysjärjestelmän toiminnasta ja ketterästä hallinnasta COVID-19-pandemiassa vuosina 2020–2021

“A basic framework for pandemic governance existed, but was not followed” – expert views of agile governance and performance of the Finnish public health system during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 The aim is to examine how public health authorities acted, what kind of roles they adopted, and how the expected roles and actions appeared in relation to the legislative framework and national preparedness plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research is theoretically grounded in the concepts of agile and adaptive governance. Our empirical data consists of 53 qualitative interviews with public health actors at national, regional and local level collected from March 2021–February 2022. We analyzed interviews using directed content analysis. Major issues regarding the response of public health authorities included ambiguity, lack of knowledge in decision-making, and a mismatch between the locations of public health competence and public health authority.

Incorporating Public Health Competencies into Veterinary Medical Education.

This study evaluates the success of secondary public health education in enhancing a professional degree in veterinary medicine. Dual-degree programs promote multidisciplinary skill attainment crucial to succeed in today's One Health-centered veterinary workforce. Participant demographics were collected including academic background, dual-degree enrollment status, and intended course of study. Survey data were collected from both Master of Public Health students and dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health students. To measure knowledge attainment, students over a 10-year period were provided core competency and program perception-based surveys upon entering and exiting the public health program. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge of competencies based on a scale of having "no knowledge" to being "very knowledgeable." Program perceptions were reported through multiple response types. Open-ended response questions evaluated participants' perceived program success in aiding the development of professional veterinary public health knowledge. The dual nature of this degree program is hypothesized to enhance interprofessional capabilities for those entering the field of veterinary medicine. A qualitative thematic comparison of participants' entrance and exit survey responses indicated increased levels of concern for career preparation services in dual-degree students. By coursework completion, students' most valued competencies were related to epidemiology, biostatistics, and behavioral health. Quantitative analysis revealed that students concurrently enrolled in a veterinary and public health program demonstrate significantly higher levels of self-reported knowledge relating to disease measurement, ethical and legal principles, and epidemiological data interpretation. Students with educational backgrounds in veterinary and animal sciences demonstrated significantly higher levels of program satisfaction.

Exploring postgraduate epidemiology competencies: Preparing our students for a post-COVID world

ObjectiveThis research sought consensus from both experts and graduates on postgraduate epidemiology competencies. MethodsIn 2021, a two-round online survey using a modified Delphi method was undertaken exploring competencies across six domains. Focus groups were conducted with recent postgraduate epidemiology graduates to assess their viewpoints on learning experiences and employability. ResultsForty-one experts participated in the first Delphi round. Nineteen factors reached consensus (>70% agreement) for importance and feasibility after two survey rounds in the following domains: general epidemiologic methods/concepts (n=8/13), advanced analytic/statistical skills (n=2/7), applied epidemiology/specialised fields (n=1/4), professional/transferrable skills (n=5/14), general public health knowledge/skills (n=2/4), independent research and work-integrated learning (n=1/3). Nine graduates participated in focus groups. A main theme was the substantial value gained in undertaking a dissertation, acknowledging its benefit for applying research skills and for networking opportunities. ConclusionsTo ensure that high-quality epidemiological research and practice continues, we need consensus on the set of essential skills required of graduating students. Implications for Public HealthCompetencies for postgraduate epidemiology students require periodic review to safeguard a workforce that can meet emerging challenges and work across academia, research, policy, and practice.

Public Health Training Centers: More Relevant Than Ever.

Interest in and awareness of public health in the United States has grown due to COVID-19; however, state and local health departments have seen a mass exodus of leadership since the beginning of the pandemic. Based on the results of the de Beaumont Foundation's most recent Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), nearly one in three public health employees say they are considering leaving the profession due to stress, burnout, and low pay. One viable strategy for ensuring a diverse and competent public health workforce is the national network of Public Health Training Centers (PHTCs). This commentary describes the Public Health Training Center Network, with a specific focus on Region IV, and discusses challenges and opportunities for advancing the public health agenda in the United States. The national PHTC Network continues to provide invaluable services in terms of training, professional development, and experiential learning for the current and future public health workforce. However, increased funding would allow PHTCs to have a greater impact and reach through bridge programs for public health workers and others, additional field placement experiences, and expanded outreach to non-public health professionals in training activities. PHTCs have shown great adaptability over time and can once again pivot to meet the needs of a rapidly changing public health landscape demonstrating that PHTCs are truly more relevant than ever.

Eurasian clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of secondary (symptomatic) forms of arterial hypertension (2022)

Disclaimer. The EAC Guidelines represent the views of the EAC, and were produced after careful consideration of the scientific and medical knowledge, and the evidence available at the time of their publication. The EAC is not responsible in the event of any contradiction, discrepancy, and/or ambiguity between the EAC Guidelines and any other official recommendations or guidelines issued by the relevant public health authorities, in particular in relation to good use of healthcare or therapeutic strategies. Health professionals are encouraged to take the EAC Guidelines fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment, as well as in the determination and the implementation of preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic medical strategies; however, the EAC Guidelines do not override, in any way whatsoever, the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate and accurate decisions in consideration of each patient’s health condition and in consultation with that patient and, where appropriate and/or necessary, the patient’s caregiver. Nor do the EAC Guidelines exempt health professionals from taking into full and careful consideration the relevant official updated recommendations or guidelines issued by the competent public health authorities, in order to manage each patient’s case in light of the scientifically accepted data pursuant to their respective ethical and professional obligations. It is also the health professional’s responsibility to verify the applicable rules and regulations relating to drugs and medical devices at the time of prescription.

Kết quả khảo sát năng lực về xã hội, văn hóa và sức khỏe cộng đồng trong chăm sóc bà mẹ và trẻ sơ sinh của hộ sinh ở tuyến xã tại Việt Nam giai đoạn 2021-2022

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the social, cultural, and community health capacity for maternity and newborn care provided by midwives at the commune level in Vietnam over the years 2021–2022. Methods: From May 2021 to August 2022, 300 midwives in the provinces of Bac Ninh, Tuyen Quang, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap, and Dong Nai participated in a cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing questionnaires and interviews. Results: Basic social, cultural, and public health competences in maternity and child care include basic social, cultural, and public health abilities for caring for pregnant women and newborns. Midwives deliver babies at a rate of 80.5%. Increasing social, cultural, and public health capabilities in maternity and neonatal care A 54.8% midwifery rate. Conclusion: Basic social, cultural, and community health competences in care: Social, cultural, and community health basic and extended skills in maternity and neonatal care A high percentage of midwives provide maternal and neonatal care. In order to support the team in developing soft skills and professional skills at work, the study presents recommendations for strengthening midwives' professional skill and soft skill training. Keywords: Capacity, midwifery, commune level, maternal and newborn care