title: [Evaluative designs in public health: methodological considerations].
abstract: Evaluation of public health interventions poses numerous methodological challenges. Randomization of individuals is not always feasible and interventions are usually composed of multiple factors. To face these challenges, certain elements, such as the selection of the most appropriate design and the use of a statistical analysis that includes potential confounders, are essential. The objective of this article was to describe the most frequently used designs in the evaluation of public health interventions (policies, programs or campaigns). The characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each of these evaluative designs are described. Additionally, a brief explanation of the most commonly used statistical analysis in each of these designs is provided.
authors: Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, España. mjlopez@aspb.cat
authors: Ma José
authors: MJ
authors: López
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Marí-Dell'Olmo
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Pérez-Giménez
authors: Manel
authors: M
authors: Nebot
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011634:Public Health; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012107:Research Design; D012494:Sampling Studies