Journal of Education and Human Development

An Examination of NYC’s Public Health Policy Education and Its Effectiveness on Regulated Business Owners
Dr. Gifty Akomea Key, Ed.D, M.S.; Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah, Ph.D., MPH, CHES

Abstract
One of the many reasons for smoking litigation against public health agencies such as a health department is due in part to the gap between public health education and knowledge of the laws by those who are regulated by these policies. This research study examined the effectiveness of public health instruction and curriculum from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), and its effect on knowledge of the law as it relates to business owners. N = 74 business owners were surveyed using a pre/post study design to determine their knowledge of public health law. Results of the study found the education to be ‘somewhat’ effective, while other factors suggested a gap in the knowledge of public health law still existing among business owners. Given this lack of advanced knowledge, suggestions for curricular and instruction improvements are offered for the promotion of more effective public health pedagogy.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v5n1a4