AIDS prevention evaluation: Conceptual and methodological issues

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning 1990, Vol.13 (1), p.79-89
• Main Authors: Rugg, Deborah L., O'Reilly, Kevin R., Galavotti, Christine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Methodological Problems; Prevention; Program Evaluation; Risk
• ISSN: 0149-7189
• DOI: 10.1016/0149-7189(90)90012-L

Determining the effectiveness of our current efforts to prevent the spread of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) poses significant methodological challenges. Evaluation efforts are impeded by a lack of clarity in the goals, objectives, and design of AIDS interventions, and by the emotionally charged political environment in which these evaluations take place. Evaluators must consider an array of conceptual, methodological, ethical, and political issues when designing evaluation strategies. Solutions to these problems vary from one risk population to another, further complicating evaluation efforts. This paper provides a conceptual framework for AIDS prevention research that takes into account the many determinants and behaviors that lead to HIV infection and disease. We examine the methodological issues for evaluation in three populations—the low risk general population, the accessible high risk population, and the hard-to-reach high risk population. Additionally, issues in the evaluation of HIV counseling and testing are discussed, since this is one of the most common prevention interventions. Suggestions for evaluation strategies are offered.