Future Public Health Anti-trafficking Training: An Exploratory Inquiry among Public Health Graduate Students to Understand their Levels of Awareness, Knowledge, and Self-efficacy in Order to Prevent, Identify, and Assist Survivors of Human Trafficking

ABSTRACT

Human trafficking (HT) is a violation of human rights and a serious public health concern. Recently, efforts have focused on training frontline personnel, among others, to identify, intervene, and assist survivors of HT. Yet, there is scant research among public health students and practitioners about their awareness, knowledge, and self-efficacy in addressing HT. Training the future public health workforce is essential for addressing this problem. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study collected data utilizing a 33-item survey among current graduate students (N = 85) of public health enrolled at a U.S. Northeastern University. The primary aim of this study was to assess public health graduate level students’ awareness, knowledge, and self-efficacy regarding HT intervention. A secondary aim was to gather students' recommendations for curricula development purposes. Statistical analyses included univariate and binary analysis of quantitative data and a thematic two-step coding process for the analysis of the qualitative data.. Findings revealed study participants had a strong awareness of HT, but a low level of knowledge and self-efficacy in identifying and assisting victims. Most study participants desired to integrate HT-related training into current courses. Results may be used to inform the development of curricula at higher level education and public health institutions.

KEYWORDS:

• Public health
• training
• human trafficking
• graduate students
• curricula development

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the support of Drs. Janna Ataiants, Sharla Willis, and Carol Whyte. Authors are also thankful for the assistance of Michael Lawrence, Marissa White, and Tina Brown during the recruitment period and for their technical support. Last, but not least, great appreciation is due to all the public health graduate students who shared their significant insights during the study.

Disclosure Statement

We declare no financial interest or benefit that has arisen from the direct applications of our research.