biostudies-literatureZhou YPKU-MSD Joint Laboratory on Infectious Disease Prevention and Controlthe Joint Research Fund for Beijing Natural Science Foundation and Haidian Original Innovation39https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11426014biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)<h4>Background</h4>Infectious diseases persistently pose global threats, and it is imperative to accelerate the professionalization of public health workforce. This study aimed to develop and validate the infectious disease control competency scale (IDCCS) for public health professionals to fill a theoretical gap and elevate practical capabilities by informing public health professionals' development goals.<h4>Methods</h4>The initial item pool was generated through a literature review, and categorized into three dimensions (knowledge, practical skills, and leadership) based on the competency iceberg model and public health leadership framework. A two-round Delphi process was conducted to determine indicators within the scale. A pilot survey was utilized for item analysis and exploratory faGlobal health research and policyDevelopment and validation of an infectious disease control competency scale for public health professionals.PMC11426014L222029L222028L202007Zhang WXYang HZhang SSAo LZhou YLu QBLiu YQTian XLZeng JDu JCui FHuang NHMa QYfalseDevelopment and validation of an infectious disease control competency scale for public health professionals.<h4>Background</h4>Infectious diseases persistently pose global threats, and it is imperative to accelerate the professionalization of public health workforce. This study aimed to develop and validate the infectious disease control competency scale (IDCCS) for public health professionals to fill a theoretical gap and elevate practical capabilities by informing public health professionals' development goals.<h4>Methods</h4>The initial item pool was generated through a literature review, and categorized into three dimensions (knowledge, practical skills, and leadership) based on the competency iceberg model and public health leadership framework. A two-round Delphi process was conducted to determine indicators within the scale. A pilot survey was utilized for item analysis and exploratory fa2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Sep2026-06-05T05:07:01.3Z2025-04-04T02:01:20.681ZS-EPMC114260143932762510.1186/s41256-024-00381-y