Public Awareness of Public Health & Environmental Health Officers in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are public servants who play a vital role in safeguarding the public health of Canadians. EHOs are both enforcers and consultants in public health. They inspect food premises, public facilities, waste disposal systems, residential houses, and recreational facilities to ensure compliance with government regulations. A survey determined level of knowledge with respect to public health in Canada and its EHOs. The survey included 458 participants selected randomly from White Pages for Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey although only forty-two agreed to participate (response rate=9.1%). The study assessed associations between awareness of the role of EHO and gender, age, occupation, and level of education of respondents. The purpose of the survey was to increase the public awareness of the EHOs and to be a foundation study to create an effective public relations program in the province. Results failed to show any associations between awareness of the role of EHO and gender, age, occupation, and level of education of respondents. In conclusion, gender, age, occupation, and level of education are not major contributing factors in knowing the EHOs.