Health Promotion: Evaluation Issues

Abstract

The paper argues that the principles and theories of learning and behaviour change are integral to the success of health promotion programs. Four major principles associated with successful health promotion programs are introduced. The principles concern being sure about the reasons for embarking on health promotion programs, the importance of theory-based credibility, being clear about differences in forms of evaluations available to program leaders, and the importance of significant persons in achieving and maintaining program gains. Seven questions which should be asked of any proposed health promotion program are then outlined. They include asking how the principles of learning are to be incorporated in the program, how the need for change and the means of achieving change are to be communicated to the target groups, and how infrastructure needs within the target groups will be able to ensure maintenance of the changed behaviours once the program itself is finished.