Essential Public Health Knowledge for STI Prevention in Quebec

The core public health competencies identified in grey literature are organized into four primary themes: public health concepts, the organization of the health system, infection prevention and health promotion, and sexual health. According to the scientific support committee and the advisory committee that contributed to the study, these domains represent critical areas for ongoing professional development among frontline workers.

Public Health Concepts and System Organization

Frontline teams delivering STBBI interventions must balance clinical care tailored to individual needs with broader population health objectives. Training in public health concepts helps workers navigate between these two complementary approaches, according to the study’s findings. Furthermore, understanding the wider health system ecosystem—including systemic limitations related to access—allows professionals to adapt their interventions to the real-world challenges faced by patients.

Prevention Approaches and Sexual Health

The study highlights non-stigmatizing approaches as essential for maintaining person-centered care. Reflective practice regarding professional roles and the impact of clinical habits ensures the delivery of inclusive, high-quality services. Additionally, the framework emphasizes deep knowledge of sexual health that extends beyond the mere absence of disease to encompass well-being and pleasure.

Addressing Training Disparities Across Practice Settings

While advisory committees identified these topics as priorities, certain elements—such as basic STBBI epidemiological data and person-centered intervention techniques—are already widely taught and mastered by many frontline workers. However, the study notes significant disparities in mastery levels across different practice settings and professional teams, justifying their inclusion in continuing education programs.

Complementing these educational frameworks, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (MSSS) maintains the Guide québécois de dépistage des infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang. Published under reference number 19-308-13W and ISBN 978-2-550-85400-5, the guide serves as the official reference tool for screening norms under the Programme national de santé publique 2015-2025. It details legal frameworks, ethical dimensions, risk evaluation, and clinical data sheets for healthcare professionals.