Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's chronic disease state-based epidemiology for public health program support (STEPPS) program.

To identify effective strategies for improving epidemiology capacity in state chronic disease programs, staff epidemiologists and program directors from 25 states were interviewed using a structured questionnaire by phone or in person. Respondents reported three chief barriers to chronic disease epidemiology capacity: lack of institutional commitment and support for chronic disease epidemiology; lack of professional opportunities to engage with peers, colleagues, and scientists; and lack of trained epidemiology staff and resources to support chronic disease functions and activities. Epidemiology capacity in states would be improved by expanding the role and scope of staff placement programs; assisting states in establishing formal collaborations with academic institutions; and providing technical assistance to staff currently employed in states through training, consultation, and networking.